Captain America - The First Avenger (2011)

 

Even though I have been a pretty avid fan of comics and superheroes since early childhood, I never got the appeal of Captain America. Maybe it's the blatant, 'America Best!' sort of patriotism that I never understood. I also felt Captain America's outfit was just a little too silly. 

Sure, no problems with a Norse god with wings on his helmet or a giant green guy in his underwear, but something with stars and stripes was a bridge too far. 

But then this film and subsequent more modern comics did change my viewpoint of the character. But I'll be very honest: if Chris Evans didn't play the Captain, I don't think I would like him as much, as Evans brings some much needed humanity and humility to the role. 

This is of course, the origin story and it takes place almost exclusively during the Second World War, so it is more of a period piece than anything else, which is a good choice. Steve Rogers is a guy who wants to do the right thing, but because he is woefully sickly and underdeveloped, he can't get into the army. That is, until a German scientist by the name of Erskine selects him to be part of the supersoldier program, because Erskine sees that Steve is at heart a noble man, so he probably won't abuse whatever power he is given. Unfortunately, after Steve is transformed into the hunk of a man that Captain America is, Erskine is killed and the serum destroyed, thus ensuring Steve will remain the only supersoldier. He is then used as a promotional tool, which is actually what the comic book character was for at first.

Nice touch. 

But when Steve learns that his friend has been imprisoned, he sets out to free him. This succeeds because he is stronger, faster and more resilient than regular soldiers. It is here he meets Erskine's previous supersoldier, a crazy German scientist named Johann Schmidt (yes, John Smith. Nicely generic, isn't it?), also known as the Red Skull due to his appearance, as the early version of the serum wasn't yet ready. Now Steve sets out to stop Red Skull with the help of a loyal crew of soldiers called the Howling Commandos. But when he manages to sabotage Red Skull's bombing flight, he has no choice but to crash into the Arctic, thus freezing him for 70 years... 

The good thing is that this film has a nice slow buildup. You get to know Steve Rogers rather well and that is what endears you to him. Chris Evans also plays him as a selfless and clever character, who then gets augmented but that doesn't define him. It's an extra to his mental state. In every respect: this is Evans' film and he carries it with gusto. What is also a lot of fun, are numerous setups and winks to the comics, only here it is done in a fun way and not in that too much over the top take on things. Yes, there is some silly stuff here and the idea of Hydra using energy-based weapons makes it cartoony, but they don't overdo it. The focus is still on the character, not necessarily on the action. 

What's also a lot of fun, even if this is truly a nod to the fans of the comics, are the guys from the Howling Commandos, like Dum Dum Dugan. If you know the characters, you'll recognize them. They don't have a lot to do besides being there, shooting some guns and blowing stuff up, but it's a nice touch. The same goes for the setup with Steve's best friend Bucky, which will play a major role in films to come. 

The only thing that does fall a little flat, is the villain. Not that Hugo Weaving is bad as Red Skull, but they don't give him a lot to do, besides pose and sneer in that weird, wannabe German accent. He is woefully underutilized and in all honesty: the final showdown between Steve and Red Skull is a little underwhelming when you see it play out to its conclusion. 

All in all, this is a solid entry in the Marvel Universe and even though it might not be the best of the Captain America-series, it is still a lot of fun. Doubly so if you like Chris Evans.