Captain America: The First Avenger

Does anyone think that there have been too many super hero films this year? Well if you do...I feel sorry for you, because I love comic book movies. Granted there have been at least four or five other super heroes that have graced the silver screen this year but there is one more who needs his time to shine and he is perhaps the most known of them all. I feel like it's good to note that I felt like it was my patriotic duty to see this film but more importantly, "Captain America: The First Avenger" is the last piece of the puzzle before Marvel releases their mega super hero team-up film, "The Avengers" next May. Does Cap bring anything new to the table?
It's 1942, World War II is in full swing, and young Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) has been rejected for military service once again. It's no surprise that he has been rejected for the hundredth time. Steve is puny, sickly, and has a long list of medical issues. But Steve has no greater desire than to serve his country so he doesn't stop trying.
Soon his efforts are noticed by a scientist named Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) who takes Rogers aside to offer him a chance to be a part of the government's new super soldier program. During training Rogers is looked down upon by everyone including Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones). But Dr. Erskine believes that Rogers is the best choice because of his heart, compassion, and bravery. The next day Rogers is injected with the super soldier serum and he emerges as a tall, buff, Nazi killing machine who is tasked with taking down Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving), the head of Hitler's deep science division HYDRA. Rogers, now named Captain America, must stop Schmidt before he unleashes the ultimate power upon the world.
In the past couple years, the super heroes we have seen have had very different personalities. There has been the million dollar narcissist, the self-absorbed Norse god, and several others with severe anger management issues. That's why its nice to see a more classic kind of hero back on screen. Captain America does not put himself above others, he doesn't insult, back stab, or judge anyone. Instead he's a humble man that loves his country and is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. Cap is a hero we haven't seen since perhaps the last "Superman" film and its good to see a hero that parents won't mind their kids looking up to.
Just like May's "Thor" had a much different setting than past Marvel films, so does "Captain America". The World War II setting is a change up but don't worry, Cap doesn't come close to the intensity and graphic content of films like "Saving Private Ryan". Instead Cap's a whole lotta fun featuring lots of fighting and explosions.
But there's a lot of heart in the mix. As with many hero flicks there is emotion, there is romance, and there are lessons to be learned (in this case sacrifice) and here there's lots of it especially during the film's gripping climax (one of the best Marvel has made).
Backing all of this up is the terrific cast. Many know Chris Evans as the other Marvel super hero The Human Torch from the "Fantastic Four" movies and usually he plays the same type of character; the smooth talking ladies man. Not so much in "Captain America". As you've read, Evans was challenged to play a much different character for this film and he succeeds. As for Hugo Weaving, who has given life to villains such as Agent Smith and Megatron he was the perfect choice to play to cruel Nazi nemesis of Captain America (who fans know as The Red Skull). Throw in some good supporting actors like Stanley Tucci, and the humorous Tommy Lee Jones and you have an all star cast.
"Captain America: The First Avenger" has everything going for it, great action, great acting, and a lot of love for the U.S.A. Fans of past Marvel films with have no problem enjoying this film and there's a high chance that those who don't enjoy the comic book craze will have just as much fun. But if there is one thing I know, its that after this movie and what is shown after the credits I, along with the rest of the super hero lovers, can't be more excited about what will happen when Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, and Captain America come together to fight whatever stands in their way. Bring on "The Avengers"! I give this film three stars out of four.
"Captain America: The First Avenger" has a running time of 121 minutes and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence.