After another inexplicable opening involving an abandoned spacecraft, Nazis, and a mysterious life force, we embark on the story of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). Wanting to follow in his father's footsteps and be a war hero in World War II, Steve is hardly qualified with his 90 pound frame and history of illness. After repeated enlistment attempts he finely gets his shot when a doctor (Stanley Tucci) tells him he is an ideal candidate for a secret project under the command of a gruff colonel (Tommy Lee Jones) who is aided by the beautiful private (Hayley Atwell). Rogers is injected with a serum that enhances his inner courage and makes him into Captain America, a super soldier who must fight HYDRA, the evil group of Nazis harnessing the mysterious energy source and led by Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving), who has had the same injection which highlighted his evil nature. Captain America: The First Avenger has a lot of problems but many likable qualities as well. To start with the bad, the Steve Rogers' character's piety grows wearisome and there is nothing interesting whatsoever about Chris Evans. Hayley Atwell is lackluster as well and I felt her character held no appeal and both her and Evans had no chemistry. The dialogue is trite and uninspired and the finale is just another albeit expected mindless action sequence and is extremely disappointing in its execution. There were some things I liked about the picture though. The old fashioned look and feel of the film and the 1940s atmosphere which was done so well was a nice change of pace for these recent superhero pictures. I also liked the supporting cast: Tommy Lee Jones playing the no nonsense type of character he does so well. Stanley Tucci as the Jewish doctor. Hugo Weaving as the evil power obsessed Nazi. Toby Jones as his weary assistant. I also liked how other Marvel elements were incorporated in the movie such as how the army is supplied with weapons by Stark Enterprises. With Captain America the table is now set for next summer's The Avengers. After a series that ranges from piss poor (The Incredible Hulk) to mediocre (Thor, Captain American, Iron Man 2) to excellent (Iron Man), I hope the Marvel team can utilize the best elements of these films and leave the rest on the cutting room floor.
