Captain America: America’s First Avenger (PG-13)

Released: 22 July 2011, Marvel Entertainment
Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones
Directed by: Joe Johnston

3 stars (out of 4)

After being declared unfit for duty after multiple attempts to sign up for the U.S. Army during World War II, Steve Rogers (Evans) volunteers for a top-secret military project that turns him into the ultimate soldier – Captain America.  When the HYDRA organization, led by the villainous Red Skull (Weaving), threatens the world’s safety it is Captain America who leads the charge against ultimate evil!

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Big in spirit but small in stature, Steve Rogers has tried desperately to serve his country against the Nazis only to be rejected again and again.  When government scientist Dr. Erskine (Tucci) offers him the opportunity to take part in an experiment to create a super soldier, Rogers jumps at the chance to prove he has what it takes.  After showing the depths of his courage and honor to project commander Colonel Phillips (Jones), Rogers is enhanced to his maximum potential and becomes Captain America – and a propaganda opportunity for the U.S. government.  Sent to entertain soldiers abroad Rogers learns several soldiers, including best friend “Bucky” Barnes (Sebastian Stan), are being held prisoner behind enemy lines.  Leading a successful mission to retrieve them, Rogers uncovers a plot  by Red Skull and his evil HYDRA organization that threatens everyone around the globe!

I knew very little about Marvel super hero Captain America before seeing this movie.  Realizing, however, that he was part of The Avengers I thought it might be a good idea to brush up on my knowledge in preparation of 2012′s big theatrical release.  As an origin story, Captain America: The First Avenger delivered.  Resting on the extremely capable shoulders of actor Chris Evans, the character of Steve Rogers comes to life.  The first portion of the movie has an incredible use of CGI, with Evans’ head transposed onto the scrawny body of a weakling.  When he becomes Captain America the transition is astounding.  Evans worked hard for his super hero physique and it shows – he looks truly massive after the transformation.  A wry wit and earnest appeal ties both performances together and gives him an opportunity to display his dramatic acting chops. (more…)