Captain America: The First Avenger

Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is Captain America: The First Avenger.

Directed by Joe Johnston.

Written by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.

Based on the Marvel Comics character Captain America created by Joe Simon & Jack Kirby.

Review #129

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action.

Runtime: 125 min

Cast

Chris Evans ... Captain America / Steve Rogers

Hayley Atwell ... Peggy Carter

Sebastian Stan ... James Buchanan 'Bucky' Barnes

Tommy Lee Jones ... Colonel Chester Phillips

Hugo Weaving ... Johann Schmidt / Red Skull

Dominic Cooper ... Howard Stark

Richard Armitage ... Heinz Kruger

Stanley Tucci ... Dr. Abraham Erskine

Samuel L. Jackson ... Nick Fury

Toby Jones ... Dr. Arnim Zola

Neal McDonough ... Timothy 'Dum Dum' Dugan

Derek Luke ... Gabe Jones


Plot


Based on the Marvel Comics character from World War II. A brave, yet mild-mannered young soldier named Steve Rogers, volunteers to undergo a series of experiments for a US army Super Soldier program. The military succeeds in transforming him into a human weapon, but quickly decide that their Super Soldier is far too expensive a creation to risk in combat. So, they decide to put him to use as an army celebrity and parade him across Europe to boost morale by performing in USO shows for American troops. He is even given a costume that bear the colors of Old Glory for the stage. Then, when a Nazi plot reveals itself Rogers must rise up and and become the First Avenger, in order to save his country. Steve Rogers becomes Captain America and he earns his way into the hearts and souls of every American, bringing hope and justice to a war-weary nation. Later, during a mission to Germany to stop his archenemy - The Red Skull, from launching rockets at the allies.

With 2011 being the summer of the comic book film. Captain America: The First Avenger was going to provide more than introduce audiences to yet another Marvel property to the world. It was going to officially announce to all that listened that The Avengers are full steam ahead in 2012. So we finally got the last installment of the Avengers crossover films. The others being Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man II, and Thor. Sadly, this one it the weakest of the bunch. Not because the story or action was bad. It's weak because of 2 words.

Chris Evans.

When he was announced as the new Cap, I was reserved and VERY skeptical. Then I remembered that Robert Downey Jr. wasn't a good Tony Stark until he became the ONLY man that can and should play him. So I held back my judgements until I saw the final product. I wish I could say I was proven wrong again but I don't feel I was. He's just not Captain America. He doesn't look the part....at least facially. Physically he's a specimen. More importantly he doesn't ACT the part. Captain America was if anything a patriotic HERO. Evans doesn't exude that in any way to inspire trust in his character or performance. It's really too bad because everyone else in the film is top notch. Hugo Weaving was terrific as the Red Skull. His makeup was very cool and lifelike. Tommy Lee Jones was steely as ever and Hayley Atwell played Peggy with just enough balance between tough and mushy girl.

The action in the film is pretty good but also pretty standard. Most of the fighting is grounded in reality until you see Cap in action. When he flings that shield it was pretty cool to watch. This is where Evans excels. Because he's so athletically built and gifted he can carry the power part of Cap's persona. He does get you to believe in him there. He can't say the same everywhere else. The film is also a little draggy in spots. It had the feeling that they were trying to cram too much in to please the fanboys and as a result it got a little murky. The movie doesn't bore, it just gets a little too slow in some areas. A few tweaks and trims in the edit room would have taken care of that.

I'm not really sure what else to say about this one. It's a very lukewarm response to a very lukewarm film. I think if a different actor was cast to play Cap like Brad Pitt, Thomas Jane or Alexander Skarsgard, maybe the film might have been better received by me. Those guys have the better good ol American boy look. They also aren't typecast as playing wise ass characters. Tell me you don't see Johnny Storm when you look at Evans. He was perfect for that role.

Not for this one.

On the 5 star scale. Captain America: The First Avenger gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"