Captain America: The First Avenger

Now this is a hero I can get behind. Captain America is completely awesome. Not only is Steve Rogers the first Avenger, he was a hero before he was blessed with super-human strength. Fighting not because he was angry, or out for revenge, but fighting because he didn’t like bullies no matter where they came from, and in 1940’s Europe Hitler was the biggest bully of them all. Chris Evans plays Steve Rogers with heart, conviction and a solid sense of duty. Rated 4F on five different occasions, Steve never gives up. He is determined to do his part no matter what the cost and his small stature and weak body is just an obstacle to overcome. All he wants is a chance to serve. Steve Rogers is a true hero.

Captain America: The First Avenger is an excellent film mixing patriotic fervor with super hero style. It is well crafted, expertly acted, nicely paced and wonderfully balanced throughout. The blend between heart, humor, action and romance is set against the artistic backdrop of a futuristic world as imagined by early German impressionists. Every invention no matter how fantastic has a root in real science. It was the future as imagined in WWII.

When a German scientist portrayed by Stanley Tucci escapes Nazi Germany and brings his talents to the United States he hand-picks Steve Rogers as the test subject of his new super power enhancing formula. His first trial, tested before the formula was ready had disastrous results creating a villain known as Red Skull. Before his accident Johann Schmidt, played by Hugo Weaving, was a scientist himself. Financed by Hitler he was scouring the world for new weapons and technologies even pursuing myths, legends and untried theories. Under duress Dr. Abraham Erskine (Tucci) was forced to administer his drug on him before it was ready. As a result Schmidt is horribly disfigured and as mad as ever. Now he has super human strength too.

Once Steve Rogers is transformed from a ninety pound weakling into Captain America, a well meaning senator turns him into a public relations tool. Sent around the country making personal appearances and selling war bonds, Steve does his part without complaint. But when he hears that his best friend is missing in action he trades in his tights and goes out to find him. Working without orders he rescues 400 captured soldiers single handedly. The army finally realizes that they are wasting his talents and they change his directive. Captain America must now stop Red Skull.

Tommy Lee Jones plays Rogers’ commanding officer and it’s the kind of role that Tommy excels in. Also on Captain America’s team is a female British agent played by Hayley Atwell, and a brilliant inventor named Stark played by Dominic Cooper. They provide Steve with intelligence, tools and futuristic gadgets. Stark is also an ace pilot who goes on to develop Stark Industries. In the Marvel Universe he becomes Tony Stark’s father who in turn becomes Iron Man. As all the pieces are put in to place, The Avengers movie is going to be outstanding.

Of all the super hero movies I’ve seen so far, Captain America is one of my favorites. Not only is the story told well, I like the fact that he’s an average guy. When Red Skull looks him in the eye and asks him, “What makes you so special?” Steve Rogers replies, “Nothing, I’m just a guy from Brooklyn.” And that’s what makes him so great. There were hundreds of Captain Americas in World War II only they didn’t have super powers to go with their brave fighting spirit. They were just average guys, doing their part, standing up to the bullies of the world. Captain America was the fantasized ideal, but G.I. Joe was the flesh and blood reality. I love the patriotic nature of this character. I am also looking forward to his future leadership in The Avengers movies. I can’t wait for him to straighten some of those other super heros out. I can’t imagine him putting up with any of their nonsense. He’s an old fashioned guy in a modern world. Imagine John Wayne dressing them down. Some very exciting things are going to happen.

Rating: First Run A True American super hero