In the early 1940s, scientifically enhanced megalomaniacal rogue Nazi Johann Schmidt aka “The Red Skull” (Hugo Weaving) seizes an ancient Norse artifact that will fuel his plans of global conquest. Meanwhile, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a scrawny kid from Brooklyn, is determined to join the Army and fight for his country, despite being physically unfit for duty. Enter Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), a German defector who is looking for someone to test his “Super Soldier” serum on. The rest, as they say, is history.
It’s hard to believe, but in the 70 years since Captain America made his debut as a comic book character, he is only now getting his cinematic due. The First Avenger easily trounces the obscure late-70s made-for-TV adaptations and the lamentable 1990 release starring Matt “son of J.D.” Salinger in both budget and hype. For the most part, this latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe does not disappoint.
A lot of credit should be given to director Joe Johnston. Though a questionable choice to helm the film – his résumé includes Jurassic Park III and Jumanji – Johnston delivers a competently made throwback of an adventure film. There is a solid period feel, no major lags in the pacing, and while some of the HYDRA weaponry channels G.I. Joe in a bad way, the CGI is relatively unobtrusive (especially compared to the likes of Thor). Then again, maybe this should not be much of a surprise: Johnston also worked on the Indiana Jones films and the thematically similar Rocketeer.
The acting doesn’t offer anything transcendental ala The Dark Knight’s Heath Ledger or even Iron Man 2’s Mickey Rourke, but it is solid across the board. Hugo Weaving gives the nefarious Red Skull a convincing German accent and a formidable sense of menace. Captain America, that paragon of patriotism, is bound to end up looking wooden no matter what, but Evans does his best in the lead, admirably conveying the determination that makes the character tick. Tommy Lee Jones and Dominic Cooper seem to be having fun as the gruff Col. Chester Phillips and the eccentric Howard Stark (father of Tony), respectively, but the roles are fairly one-dimensional. Sadly, so is that of Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), a British officer who acts as a liaison to the Americans. Atwell gives the character some spunk, but everything about her screams “token love interest.”
While it is fashionable for comic book adaptations to take on postmodern twists these days, blurring the lines between hero and villain and offering incisive commentary on the societies that create them, The First Avenger lacks any such ambition. It is a very traditional film dedicated to showcasing the struggle between good and evil and affirming the notion that one person can make a difference. If you are expecting anything more than that, you will be disappointed. But if you accept it on those terms (or are just looking for the final piece of the puzzle before The Avengers debuts next year), there is a lot to like here.
7.75
