Super heroes ARE super because they have an undeniable guarantee of returning to the big screen again and again. That’s why the expectation for Captain America: The Winter Soldier resulted in a $96.2 million opening weekend.

Fans could not wait for the franchise to continue -- and with Chris Evans back as Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. The film and Evans do not disappoint in this full-speed-ahead thriller/ action-adventure, which follows up the last Avengers’ film.

Rogers thought he would get a nice break by rejoining a normal lifestyle. Wrong! That’s because the world-wide protection agency S.H.I.E.L.D needs his help. Rogers can’t say no, for his abilities can make a difference between life and death.

Working with Commander Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and fellow Avenger Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), plans are set in motion. Things happen so quickly Rogers has some uneasy feelings that he may not be told the truth by his colleagues. But how could he question S.H.I.E.L.D., especially under the leadership of Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford)?

Yet when Rogers discovers that S.H.I.E.L.D. has built three massive flying warships equipped with amazing power as well as functions capable of ending or controlling anyone or everything,  he sees problems ahead.

Soon Captain America flies, jumps, soars on his motorcycle and engages with enemies -- all the while his stealthy and iconic shield is constantly in motion, leaving many to wonder, “How does that shield keep coming back to him?”

The production couldn’t be any more spectacular. Trent Opaloch’s (Elysium) cinematography is incredible. The special effects are amazing and the pacing of screenwriters’ Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (based on the comic book by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby) script definitely packs more actions, betrayals, danger, what-ifs, wows and surprises than many similar rivals.

Much of the credit for the film’s success also goes to its incredible cast. Evans has handled his role perfectly since film one, and now that the tension/stunts have reached new heights, he’s even more suited for this role.

“He’s extremely vigilant about the truthfulness of his performance,” said co-director Joe Russo about Evans. “What I think is almost impossible to convey about Steve Rogers, which I think Chris does amazingly well, is he layers the character with a combination of machismo and morality. He’s made the character very complex.”

Jackson and Redford do good jobs in keeping their characters’ true agendas under wrap. Sebastian Stan returns as the infamous assassin Bucky Barnes/ Winter Soldier and provides excellent suspense involving who will survive the duel (between him and Captain America) to end or save the world.

Two great female actresses bring a nice perspective to the story. Since I first interviewed 14-year-old Scarlett Johansson for The Horse Whisperer, she has continued to grow and excel as an actress. She has the character of the Black Widow nailed yet seems open to discovering new things about humanity. Emily Van Camp, one of the reasons TV’s Revenge remains a high-ranker, joins this outstanding cast as S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Agent 13. Just like on the TV show, her character is not afraid to speak up about the truth or to challenge superiors such as Pierce.

Along with all its intense anxiety, Captain America: The Winter Soldier includes some fun and humor, especially between Rogers and his colleague Sam Wilson aka Falcon (Anthony Mackie). Sam is an ex vet, a great friend and seeker of good. The wit between these two characters offers moments of relief from the action. For example, when Evans asks “How do we know the bad guys from the good guys,” Sam responds, “If they are shooting at you, they are the bad guys.”

Overall, this offering is enjoyable on several levels. It’s not necessary to have seen the other films with Captain America, but potential viewers might check out reviews of those movies in order to understand some of the basic elements of the franchise. And of course, it continues on with Captain America 3 in 2016.

(Released by Marvel /Sony Pictures and rated "PG-13" for intense sequences of violence, gunplay and action throughout.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.