Here we are again with another comic book movie this year, this time it's 'Captain America: The First Avenger'. The movie stars Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, and Tommy Lee Jones and was directed by Joe Johnston. The film tells the story of Steve Rogers, an incredibly tiny man from Brooklyn who just wants to go over seas and fight for his country during WWII. He is then given that chance when he is transformed into Captain America. (Cue music.)
Seeing as to how this is a war movie, we'll start with the action here. Although not as much action as one would have thought, seeing as how this movie is taking place and primarily about WWII, when it does happen, it's pretty damn awesome. Some of the effects needed a little work, mostly the green screens, but besides that, the movie delivers some very thrilling and entertaining action scenes. The movies pacing here was all wrong as well. They cut the film in half, the first part is all introduction and the second is all fighting, which is the way most origin stories go, but I prefer a better flow in movies. The only thing that this does do is that when you finally do see Rogers don the Captain suit, it's pretty exciting.
Since they did choose to split this movie and try to make it more than just an action packed WWII ride, then we'll move onto the acting. Evans did a great job of making you believe he really was just some wimpy guy from Brooklyn with no fear and with out his performance the film wouldn't be anywhere close to what it is. He's not the only one though, Jones did a fantastic job and stuck out as one of my favorite parts of the movie. I guess I just have a soft spot for the battle hardened war veteran with an interesting sense of humor. Now onto some of the not so good, Weaving did a decent enough job not to ruin the film but he was nothing spectacular and kind of hammed up his role a little bit. He just wasn't very entertaining, although he was very believable as a ruthless villain that will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. I just think he could've done much better. As for the rest of the cast, they all did a fine job, no complaints here.
This movie is yet another great movie in Marvel's ever growing library and it did an excellent job of telling the origin of the beloved Captain America. This movie really is for everyone, it doesn't have that "superhero-ness" that a lot of films seem to have lately. Much like 'Batman Begins', it's an origin story that die hard fans can enjoy alongside new comers, while still not shutting out the average cinematic adventurer. I highly recommend going to see this movie ASAP.
