CAPTAIN AMERICA : THE FIRST AVENGER – The Review

The Summer of 2011 has seen more movie adaptations of comic book superheroes than most. It started with THOR in May. June saw the the first class of X-men and the arrival of the GREEN LANTERN. Now for the last superhero of this season we’re seeing the oldest of the bunch get his cinematic ” props ” ( although Thor’s been a hero of mythology for centuries he didn’t become a comic book hero until 1962. The Green Lantern debuted in 1940, but the movie lantern, Hal Jordan, didn’t arrive till 1960 ). From 1941 comes CAPTAIN AMERICA : THE FIRST AVENGER. And it looks like they may have the saved the best for last.

After a brief prologue we’re taken back to 1942 where the power mad leader of Hitler’s technology forces, HYDRA, is at work in Norway. Johann Schmidt ( Hugo Weaving ) almost radiates evil as the group’s mastermind. Back in New York City, USA, skinny, frail Steve Rogers ( Chris Evans ) is once again prevented from enlisting in the military. After a visit to the Stark industries World of Tomorrow exhibition-an earlier version of the big show from IRON MAN 2 complete with young Howard Stark ( Dominic Cooper as Tony’s dad ), destiny calls on Steve in the form of  scientific genius Dr. Abraham Erskine ( Stanley Tucci ). Quick aside- sharp-eyed comic fans may spot another comic book icon on display in the exhibit hall. Erskine enlists Steve in his special program and the ecstatic new recruit  is whisked to Camp Leigh where he meets  British forces special agent Peggy Carter ( Hayley Atwell ) and Army Colonel Chester Phillips ( Tommy Lee Jones ), who’s apprehensive of the Steve. Tragedy occurs on the day of the big experiment and Steve becomes the only ” super soldier “. Colonel Phillips will not permit Steve to go into battle. Before Steve is shipped to a research lab an ambitious senator recruits him for a different kind of mission. Steve dons the red, white, and blue tights of Captain America and, as part of a traveling show, makes the sale of war bonds his new mission. When a scaled down version of the show plays for the troops in Italy, Steve gets a stunning wake up call. The soldiers on the front line think that he’s a joke. When Steve gets word that a childhood buddy’s been captures by HYDRA forces, he decides to put an end to the joke.Steve decides to use his enhanced abilities and join the battle in Europe. But can the only ” super soldier ” stand a chance against the massive hordes of HYDRA led by Schmidt AKA The Red Skull?

It’s hard to believe that it’s been twenty years since this film’s director Joe Johnson made on of the greatest comic book-based movies ever- THE ROCKETEER. Once again Johnson’s in his element. Cliff Secord and his pals flew through the 30’s while cap and company seamlessly inhabit the early 40’s. Johnson makes great use of montage sequences especially in the marketing of Cap to sell war bonds and in Erskine’s retelling of the origin of the Red Skull. He also puts together great action scenes ( Cap’s shield is an impressive weapon ) and keeps our interest during the quiet character moments particularly the slow, budding romance between Steve and Peggy.

The superb art direction and cinematography ably support Johnson in creating  this believable world of nearly 70 years ago. The retro-futuristic look of HYDRA’s weapons and vehicles ( love the Skull’s convertable ) is outstanding. The New York scenes have a nostalgic warm glow, while the shots of Cap and his team on a snowy mountain almost make you shiver. Special kudos to the make-up effects team for devising an impressive frightening villain.  The costume design is equally impressive with everything from civilian fashions to the chorus girl outfits and the shiny black leather uniforms of the Skull and his minions. Speaking of chorus girls, Oscar winning composer Alan Menken , along with lyricist David Zippel creates a bouncy tune, “The Star Spangled Man ”  for the ladies to sing behind Cap. The rest of the film is abetted by Alan ( BACK TO THE FUTURE ) Silvestri’s rousing soundtrack score.

As they used to say at the end of many classic older films, ” A great cast is worth repeating” and that’s the case here. Chris Evans is the film’s solid anchor. There’s none of the smirks and winking asides here that he used as Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four films. Evans projects sincerity and compassion. No matter what the size of Steve Rogers, we’re rooting for him. I’m still amazed at the pre-experiment short, frail Steve ( great job effects team). Hayley Atwell’s Peggy Carter enters the film as a no-nonsense, all business woman whose tough exterior begins to soften after spending time with Steve. She admires his spirit long before his physical transformation. Toby Jones makes for a terrific toady as the Skull’s right hand man, Dr. Armin Zola. I could imagine Peter Lorre as the character in a film from the 40’s. A hero’s only as good as his villain and Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull is a very good bad guy. Even while wearing a human mask he has a constant sneer. In a major shift from comic book continuity Sebastian Stan plays James ” Bucky ” Barnes not as a teen camp mascot, but as an old childhood pal of Steve’s. An early scene of Bucky protecting Steve is very effective. Dominic Cooper is very funny as the cocky , on-the-make young genius Howard Stark. We see where Tony gets his brains and attitude.  I enjoyed Neal McDonough, Derek Luke, and the other members of Cap’s assault team ( based on the comic book ” howling commandos “, but are never called that in the film ). Perhaps we’ll get to know them better in a future film.

And now I’ve got to single out the two acting vets who are true scene stealers. Stanley Tucci makes the genius behind the experiments, Erskine, into a warm, fatherly figure with a dry, subtle wit. His initial interview with Steve and their talk the night before the big day are wonderful quiet scenes before the big action set pieces. He’s also very amusing when clashing with Army brass in the form of the other scene stealer Tommy Lee Jones as the gruff, tough Col. Phillips who tries his best  to hide his respect for Erskine’s intellect in their few scenes together. Phillips becomes another father figure to Steve, one that challenges him. His one line dismissal of Steve’s show biz past is funny and brutal. Getting past the zingers you can see the sadness in the eyes of this old warrior. Indeed he’s spent too many hours writing condolence letters. These are two terrific supporting performances.

Well I guess the best compliment I can give the film is that I felt like I was a youngster encountering the world of Captain America for the first time. Speaking of youngsters I should warn parents that the body count is quite high and the Red Skull could inspire some nightmares in the under six set. Still I hope kids will get to know Cap through this film. Before he grabs that shield, Steve Rogers is a good person who just wants to help. The gift he is given does come with a heavy price and the look in his eyes in the final scenes is haunting. Captain America shows that anyone of us can stand tall and do the right thing. It’s a refreshing attitude for a big Hollywood blockbuster in this cynical world.

Overall Rating : Five Out of Five Stars