Movie Review: "Captain America: The First Avenger" (Joe Johnston, 2011)

THE MAN BEHIND THE SHIELD by Mo Shaunette

Above: Captain America (Chris Evans) and Bucky, the future Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan)


“Whatever happens tomorrow, you must promise me one thing: You will stay who you are. Not a perfect soldier, but a good man.”'
 

This month I’m doing a retro review.  Why?  Because everyone else on staff had dibs on the interesting April movies.  So, since “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” came out earlier this month, I figured we could take a look back at a movie that investigates the origins of the star-spangled man with a plan: 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger.”

            Steve Rogers/Captain America, the sickly citizen turned super soldier turned American icon turned World War II legend, was always going to be one of Marvel’s tougher characters to adapt (especially since Steve’s upright morals and unflappable patriotism seem out of place in a more cynical blockbuster scene).  Yet Marvel Studios realized that the best way to bring an old-fashioned character to life was by making and old-fashioned movie.  Thus, director Joe Johnston, writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and producer Kevin Feige put together a sepia tone-drenched World War II adventure in which good guys are good, bad guys are worse, and the basic premise of “beat the Nazis” is enough.

            Still, where “The First Avenger” really shines is in the characterization department.  Supporting players like Tommy Lee Jones’s Colonel Philips and Stanley Tucci’s Dr. Erskine (who recruit Steve for the war effort) are made memorable through humor and heart; Hayley Atwell’s Agent Carter makes you believe she’s earned her place in the army (as well as her own television series, which is currently in development); and Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull is a strong nemesis, a Nietzschean Übermensch whose maniacal ego plays off against his enemy’s more humble nature.

That enemy is, of course, Steve/Cap himself.  And while some may find the man’s sense of duty and wide-eyed optimism hard to relate to, actor Chris Evans makes the character into a compelling and engaging protagonist.  In a terrific cast, he is the clear standout, even if it’s ultimately Cap’s daredevil stunts and the earnestness of the proceedings that makes this unconventional hero’s journey a fantastically enjoyable ride.

            Nevertheless, “The First Avenger” has its flaws.  Particularly head-scratching is the film’s improbable climax, during which Steve resigns himself to crashing the Red Skull’s oversized bomber …despite the fact that he has control over the plane…as well as having been able to fly a similar bomber earlier.  And that’s to say nothing of the film’s over whelming cheesiness, which, despite being necessary, may turn off some watchers.

And yet, at the end of the day, “Captain America: The First Avenger” holds together extremely well as a shamelessly bright, fast-paced, and fun action movie that leans heavy on characterization and absolutely nails it.  It’s a blast from start to finish and comes highly recommended, especially if you plan on seeing its darker sequel soon.