Movie Night: Captain America: The First Avenger

Saving the Best for Last?

After releasing Thor earlier in the summer, Marvel Studios caps off the Superhero Summer of 2011 with Captain America: The First Avenger. Set in the 1940's during the midst of World War II, the tale serves a dual-purpose as not only a superhero flick, but a period film as well. With its setting separating it from the other titles in the Marvel movie series, Captain America brings a completely different world onto the screen. Full of vibrant characters and retro-futuristic technology, The First Avenger is undeniably fun and entertaining. However, what makes it Marvel's best release is the story. The ascension of Steve Rogers into the legendary Super-Solider is expertly propelled by a polished script which definitely was the recipient of a Joss Whedon once-over.

While Steve Rogers isn't as entertaining a character as Tony Stark or as all-powerful as Thor, his story is the most human and therefore, most relate-able. Chris Evans has enough talent for the role, which takes him from a scrawny, determined kid from Brooklyn into a muscle-bound leader of men. Watching him earn his power as well as the respect of his peers and superiors is an altogether inspiring journey. Evans not only acts the part, but he completely looks the part as well. With a training regimen that must have been hell, Evans bulked up considerably from his already muscular physique into the spitting image of Steve Rogers. It's undeniably impressive. And thanks to Hollywood magic, special effects are able to slim down Evans into his skinny pre-Cap self and avoid the dreaded body-double.

Dude's got muscles.

Equally as effective, Hugo Weaving has little trouble giving the Red Skull a realistically maniacal bent. Cap's arch-nemesis has never looked better. With a backstory that is not only original but makes sense for the villain, the leader of HYDRA's utterly evil ambitions and entirely fitting.

Rounding out the cast are several dynamic personalities. Stanley Tucci is delightful as Dr. Abraham Erskine, the scientist who develops the Super Solider formula. Tommy Lee Jones is well, Tommy Lee Jones. He gets great lines as the Colonel in charge of Cap's training and unit. As the only female in the entire cast, Hayley Atwell is uniquely stunning as Peggy Carter. She doesn't have the typical looks or dialogue of a woman in a superhero flick (a good thing), but definitively belongs in this 1940's environment.

The story is clear but manages to cleanly connect with the other Marvel movies in a build-up to The Avengers mega-movie in 2012, thanks to appearances from the Cosmic Cube and a young Howard Stark. The fight scenes (few as they are) are always fun, especially since Cap gets to beat up on Nazi scum. (Who doesn't enjoy seeing that?) His final costume (as he goes through a couple versions, including a stint in the classic) looks the part of a 1940's soldier, with updated material and armor. And the shield is spot-on and realistically worn. (I mean, it's not as is vibranium is red, white and blue.)

While I will not spoil how the film ends, it is befitting of Captain America's memorable and emotional transition into the modern age. (Look to the Ultimate line of comic books for the source material.) And if you haven't heard, DO NOT leave before the credits are over. It's more than worth it and has left me anxious and supremely impatient for 2012.

After seeing four comic books brought to the screen this summer, I can say one thing for certain: Captain America: The First Avenger is the best of the season. (Sorry X-Men. You were awesome.) To me, it's even be the best film under the Marvel Studios banner thus far. However The Avengers is received, one thing is for certain: Marvel has done their job giving these characters their own fully-developed franchises. And finally, The Avengers have their leader.