PLOT

After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America’s ideals

REVIEW

I didn’t know what to think about the new Captain America film given horrific memories of the sad excuse of a movie released in the 80’s and the fact that he isn’t exactly a character you crave to see in a superhero movie.

Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised with the movie and it’s a shame that a character like Captain America doesn’t have the same “crowd pulling power” as say…. Spider-man, I say that because it’s evident that people aren’t really convinced or interested in this particular Marvel superhero.

The story follows a scrawny young man named Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and his aspiration to join the troops in Germany to help fight the war against the Nazis. He has the heart, passion and desire to do the job but the only thing standing in his way are his physical limitations, he just isn’t cut out to be in the army and he’s very aware he’s fighting the odds in order to join up. By sheer chance Dr. Erskine (Stanley Tucci) overhears Steve pour his heart out to best friend James ‘Bucky’ Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and enrols Steve as a candidate for the “super soldier” programme. Steve is chosen purely on his attributes as a good human being and thus Captain America is born.

Following some unfortunate events, Captain America isn’t thrown into the action over in Germany but rather paraded around as a army PR machine across the country (which is unfortunately played out in a typical cheesy Marvel way – why do most of their movies have to have such cheesy cliché moments?!). Captain America is never taken seriously by the superiors in the army regardless of the fact that he is a super soldier and this is put down to the fact that they need more than 1 and he just won’t cut it (or so they think!)

Over in Germany, the head of the Nazi weapon research division, Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) has harnessed a power unlike anything in this world (Thor reference here but I won’t spoilt it!) and is planning to overthrow Hitler with his own Hydra revolution. When Steve gets news that his best friend Bucky is missing in action whilst trying to infiltrate one of Hydra’s weapons development labs he decides its time for him to get a piece of the action!!

Captain America’s first encounter with Johann Schmidt leads to the reveal that Johann is actually “The Red Skull”, Dr. Erskine’s very first recipient of the “super soldier serum” and ultimately Captain America’s polar opposite because the serum amplifies the hosts inner-self and where Steve became a extra ordinary being, Johann became a manifestation of the evil within himself.

Finally earning the respect of his army superiors and earning the title “Captain America”, he forms a team in an effort to be the force in bringing down The Red Skull and his Hydra revolution. The final third of the movie plays out well with some explosive military action and provides a decent conclusion to the preceding events.

You’d be forgiven to be fearful of Chris Evans as the lead in this movie given his performance in the Fantastic Four movies as Johnny Storm but fear not, he surprisingly does the role justice and really steps up his game. Hugo Weaving plays the part of Johann Schmidt/Red Skull very well as expected and Tommy Lee Jones makes a significant contribution as Colonel Chester Phillips. Howard Stark played by Dominic Cooper, also makes a appearance in the film with involvement in the super soldier programme, particularly providing the technology behind the weapons and Captain America’s iconic shield. Hayley Atwell plays Peggy Carter, Captain America’s love interest and does a really good job – one of the things I really liked about Captain America is the romance is kept at a “simmering” level, never overbearing, which is a really effective approach.

So, in terms of quality where does Captain America sit? Well I’d say comfortably alongside Thor and Incredible Hulk (yes, I like them all better than both the Iron Man movies!). One thing that sets Captain America apart is its grounding in a reality we can relate to…. there are no mutated gamma green giants, mythical gods or monsters…. it is actually more akin to Iron Man in that it definitely exists in this reality/world but with superior technology.

I actually prefer Captain America to Thor and the Incredible Hulk although it’s still inferior to X-Men First Class (which I would have given a 9/10 had I got around to reviewing it!!). The movie works as a great introduction for the character of Captain America and it has real franchise potential, lets just hope they don’t mess it up with the sequel (Iron Man 2 anyone?!)

Heads up – stay after the credits to see your first peek at The Avengers movie!!

VERDICT

A very good period-drama-come-superhero-movie driven by human values and heart

Score: 8