Review of Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) by Ed C — 04 Jul 2014

One line summary: The ultra-capable first Avenger is constructed from an Army reject.

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Set in 1942, first in the eastern USA, then in the European theatre of World War II, Allies versus Nazis. The scrawny and sickly Steve Rogers tries to enlist in the military so as to go to war in Europe. He gets rejected repeatedly. Dr. Erskine notices his moxie, however, and arranges for him to be inducted anyway for purposes of human experimentation. The experiment works, and the CGI Steve Rogers gets 'changed' into the real-life Chris Evans.

The opposite number to Dr. Erskine and his group is HYDRA, a Nazi group that does weapons research, among other things. HYDRA assassinates Dr. Erskine, and blows up part of his laboratory. Steve deals with the assassin successfully, and gains public notoriety. Colonel Phillips is impressed, but only mildly so. The military recruits Steve to do USO shows with female singer/dancers to sell war bonds. Steve is good at this, but it does not get him much respect.

At one point, Steve goes AWOL and brings about the liberating of 400 prisoners. Steve gets a more real wartime role, plus special equipment from Howard Stark, the predecessor of Tony Stark. Steve gains more respect with Colonel Phillips and other Allied commanders.

Steve and his personal allies take on HYDRA, which breaks away from the Nazis. How will that turn out? Will Steve stop HYDRA's direct attack on the USA?

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Cinematography: 8/10 Well-shot for the most part, though the CGI on the early Steve Rogers was pretty bad.

Sound: 8/10 No particular problems.

Acting: 7/10 I liked Tommy Lee Jones and Stanley Tucci. Chris Evans was better by far than he was in Fantastic Four.

Screenplay: 9/10 Exposition of motivation and logical progression of plot were well-constructed for an action/scifi piece.