Thursday, August 11, 2011

Review for Captain America: The First Avenger

The onslaught of summertime superhero movies continues with the release of Captain America: The First Avenger and oh, what a wonderful ride it was.  Set in 1942 as America enters the war against Hitler a secret project, named Project Rebirth, is implemented to create the perfect American soldier.  The perfect American soldier comes in the form of sickly and weak Steve Rogers who, after undergoing a dangerous medical procedure, becomes the strong and popular hero Captain America.  He's soon fighting an even bigger evil than Hitler in the form of Red Skull, who underwent an earlier version of Project Rebirth that not only enhanced his strength but also his insanity, and the soldiers of HYDRA.  The action sequences are intense and fast-paced with nicely subtle bits of romance in this rousing cinematic spectacular.


Marvel Studios has done it again!  This is a superhero movie with heart as well as exhilarating action sequences and extremely likable characters.  Chris Evans easily transforms into Captain America while retaining his all-American sweetness.  He goes from a piece of propaganda to a one-man Army to save his friend.  And it had me cheering every step of the way.  I enjoyed the subtle romantic moments he had with Peggy Carter (played by Hayley Atwell) that showed no matter how strong he got women were still a mystery to him.  A particularly suave line he used when asking Peggy about her availability when another man propositioned her went something like this....."So are you two...? Do you...? Fondue?"  How can you not find him endearing?

Since we have a perfect hero it's a necessity to have a worthy enemy and Red Skull (played by Hugo Weaving) fits the bill.  His looks alone are disturbing as he thoroughly enjoys his evil deeds.  He's a madman and it's intriguing seeing how the same secret project can create two radically different men.

The secondary characters of Peggy Carter, Col. Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones), and James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes (Sebastian Stan) stand out and are immensely likable.  Peggy is no shrinking violet, she speaks her mind and fights out on the front lines.  She's truly someone worthy of Captain America.

Along with entertaining characters comes visually stimulating and heart pounding action sequences.  The feel of the 1940's permeates the entire movie and draws you in even further.  From start to finish this movie keeps you entertained and breathless for what happens next.  It's the quintessential summer blockbuster and I can't wait to see the red, white, and blue shield again.  As with other Marvel movies make sure to stay until after the credits roll for extra material to get you ready for next summer's The Avengers movie.


My rating for this is an A!

2 comments:

  1. Is it terrible that I liked Tommy Lee Jones and his portrayl of his character more than Chris Evans as Capatian America? I thought Tommy got it spot on.

    Oh, and I see you are dying for Doctor Who to return as well. I hate that they make us wait so long! I want to know more about River!

    Also, I’m a new follower— awesome blog! Stop by my blog and follow me too? :) http://rachelbrookswrites.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for your comments. And I agree with you about TLJ...he's awesome in everything he does, a very steady actor and exudes a strong presence.

    And I'm glad to find another Whovian. Great characters and great mythology. And River Song rocks! Loved her ever since she and Tennant met. We'll be counting down the days together.

    ReplyDelete