Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Tommy Lee Jones, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Dominic Cooper, and Stanley Tucci
In the age of caped crusaders, reformed weapons developers, and Norse gods, it's refreshing to see a wholesome American superhero in the tradition of Superman and Spider-Man. In recent years, we have definitely been missing this in the comic book film genre. Most superheroes these days on the big screen are flawed in major ways. Batman has major psychological issues considering he dresses up as a bat. Iron Man is absolutely narcissistic, and Thor is a loose cannon with daddy issues. Captain America, however, is just a good guy trying to make the world a better place. Captain America: The First Avengergives us a dose of an all-American superhero.
It's the 1940s, and every able-bodied American man wants to serve his country in the fight against the Nazis. Like many others, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is determined to join the armed forces. The problem is that he's a little guy with a lot of heart but no physical presence. After falsifying his personal information in several failed attempts to enlist in the military, Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) recruits him for a scientific division of the military to become a super soldier. With the help of Dr. Erskine and Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), he becomes Captain America.
Meanwhile, Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) is a Nazi bent on world domination. Schmidt is the head of HYDRA, Germany's secret scientific department. In HYDRA, some extremely powerful weapons have been developed that can alter the course of the war. Schmidt orders the execution of Dr. Erskine to prevent additional super soldiers like Captain America. The elimination of Erskine makes Schmidt's newly developed weaponry unmatched in ability, with the exception of the one American super soldier Erskine managed to create— Captain America. Under the command of Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones), Captain America must stop Schmidt from unleashing hell on earth with his new weaponry.
Captain America: The First Avenger is definitely a fun, action-packed the film. The laughs throughout this blockbuster make it a fun ride. Even though he's a super soldier, Captain America maintains his more charming qualities as Steve Rogers, the little guy. This allows for quite a bit of witty, humorous dialogue. The action was definitely great, but this is expected of a Marvel film. The one thing I have to say I love about the action sequences in this film is his usage of his shield. It's like a chakram. If you've ever seen the television show Xena: Warrior Princess, you'll understand the reference.
While Captain America is quite enjoyable, it has its flaws. One major flaw is the depiction of the small Steve Rogers prior to becoming a super soldier. His head is totally disproportionate to the rest of his body. I'd expect better special effects in a Marvel film. Another issue in the film is that the plot is a bit too predictable. Certain events that I won't spoil can be guessed hours before they occur. Finally, there are moments where the film gets a bit cheesy. Some of the lines in the banter between Steve and Peggy could have been written a little better. That's the inevitable drawback to films with wholly good superheroes.
None of the flaws mentioned are deal-breakers. Captain America is a fierce hero with a heart. It's a potent combination that works well in this flick that you'll enjoy from start to finish. Captain America: The First Avenger is a fun movie with all the right stuff— plenty of action, laughs, and sentimental moments. The film gets a 0.06% rating. Have a little beer while enjoying this retro comic book flick.
Also, make sure you stay until the end of the credits to catch the teaser trailer for The Avengers.
