Captain America: The First Avenger Movie Review

Being the Marvel fan that I am, I took it upon myself this morning to check out Captain America: The First Avenger. Anticipation and worries about this film have been building for weeks for me and others. After seeing the film with my own two eyes, I can honestly say this film is amazing. Marvel definitely knows what they are doing with these films. Chris Evans is perfect in his role as the fearless and selfless Steve Rogers. I mean some overall changes were made compared to the comics, but you get a feeling that Chris Evans fits very well with the essence of Steve Rogers. He also does a good job at his "Brooklyn" accent and has a kind of all American look. Also the other actors do well in their roles as well. Especially Hugo Weaving as the red skull.

Basically the film sets out to tell us the origins of Captain America. From his start, as a scrawny weakling Steve Rogers to his transformation into the super soldier Captain America and his escapades during World War II. Even Captain America's tragic fate of being frozen in the arctic is in the film. Making this origin story stick very closely to the orgin in the comics. This is a pretty faithful adaption considering the changes that were made. It is also very much an action adventure film that makes nods to films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. More so Indiana Jones, due to both characters existing in the same era and having Nazis as a common enemy. Well that and both films have a motorcycle chase and a bad guy killed by a propeller. Even the Red Skull mentions about Hitler "looking for trinkets in the desert", where the Nazis were looking for the Ark of the Covenant in Indiana Jones.

Interesting enough, the graphics, visual effects, and costumes and designs do a great job of immersing you in the universe. You really get the sense that it's the 1940's and World War II is happening. The effects and cgi are also done well, as skinny Stever Rogers is very believable and seems real. Also kudos to the make up dept for the Red Skull. His look and feel captures the comic book look without being outlandish or out of place. Also Hugo Weaving does a decent job at the German accent.

Much of the film, tries to play upon the idea of the perception of a "good man". It is because of Steve's courage and selflessness despite his limitations that enabled him to become Captain America. While the evil inside Johann Schmidt made him the monster that is the Red Skull. Also there is a great dynamic between the two. As Rogers understands the value of power, while Schmidt lusts for more and more power. The two even have many memorable exchanges in regards to their similarities and differences. Such as Schmidt,s claim to being fearless, and Rogers' asking him why he's running away. Or when Schmidt questions the why Erskine found Rogers to be special and Rogers' answer of not being special at all. I really liked seeing this dynamic between the two, as once character only sees him as a regular joe just doing his part to help and other considers himself a god. Despite what happens to each character respectively, hopefully the two characters will meet again in the future.

The other actors in this film also do a swell job in their parts. Stanley Tucci does a great job as the scientist Erskine. He is instrumental in driving home the theme of why Steve Rogers was meant to become Captain America. Tommy Lee Jones pretty much plays a straight forward gruff military general. Though he also manages to pull off some of the funniest lines in the film due to his character's seriousness and sarcasm. Hayley Atwell does great in her role as Peggy Carter a commandant and love interest to Evan's Captain America. Oh and Dominic Cooper does well as the father of Iron, Howard Stark.

Also with this movie, you can surely expect a lot of tie ins to the Marvel Universe. Such as the appearance of the Howling Commandos, a group of soldiers Rogers picks for his own personal team. A team which is well known in the comics to have been under the command of Nick Fury. Also it's not required, but it would help to have seen Thor before watching this. Schmidt makes mention of the tesseract being a jewel of Odin's treasure room, and it helps explain what exactly happens to Red Skull at the climax of his battle with Captain America. Also while, Arnim Zola is not featured as he is in the comics, there is a nod to it when he is first shown. Also, amazingly enough you need to check out Captain America's USO costume. I am amazed that actually made it to film. Speaking of which, the idea of Captain America as a tool for propaganda is handled well in this film. Heck, he even gets his own comics made about him. Oh and like a certain comic cover, the Captain gets to punch Hitler in the film. Also Buckey, Captain America's faithful sidekick (although an adult in the film) is present, and even holds the iconic shield in one scene. Also I'm not entirely sure but their might also have been hints of his becoming the Winter Solider as well. Also considering a Stark is in the film, Stark and Iron Man references can be found as well. Also I liked how Red Skull at some point questioned his Armin Zola about how Hydra is unable to take down a man running around with a shield. I've personally always wondered this myself.

Essentially I think this movie fits well into the Marvel Universe. Also I think it does a better job at bridging the gap between the science and tech of Iron Man and the magic of Thor. To check out a clip from the film, click on the video below.

Overall Rating

4 Out Of 5