In a summer bloated with mediocre superheroes, Director Joe Johnston (Jumanji, Hidalgo) delivers the most complete and rewarding film with Captain America: The First Avenger. This film, along with Iron Man 2 and Thor, is a clear prequel for Marvel’s megabudget - The Avengers - slated for next year. But Captain America succeeds grandly where the others failed. Why? Because Joe Johnston did not sacrifice the quality of his film as a mere precursor to another series. The story of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is a captivating one, beautifully told and shot against the backdrop of World War Two. It shows the development of a true hero, an individual whose extraordinary spirit led him to physical prowess and glory. Not the other way around, which is usually the format we get.
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In 1942, Steve Rogers, the definition of a ninety pound weakling, struggles to get in the Army. He desperately wants to enlist, as all of his friends have gone overseas to fight the Nazis. He’s rejected repeatedly. He’s got asthma, not tall enough, too thin, the exact opposite of a perfect soldier. Steve get’s bullied, but never backs down; despite the severity of the beatings or scorn. A chance encounter at the Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) Future Expo in Queens leads him to Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci). He greatly admires the courage this frail, puny kid exhibits. Erskine asks him, “Do you want to kill Nazi’s?” Rogers responds, “I don’t want to kill anybody, but I can’t stand a bully.” Erskine enlists Rogers into the Army’s most secret project. Led by Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones) and British liaison Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), Erskine has created a super soldier serum. Rogers is chosen to be the test candidate for the serum. It transforms his body into a weapon, but his heart and character stays the same.
The first marvel of Captain America is the clever use of effects. Steve Rogers is always played by Chris Evans. In the beginning, before the serum is administered, Evans head is superimposed on a smaller man. The effect is not flawless, but it does sell the idea of Rogers physical weakness. So when he emerges as the ultra-strong Captain America, the audience totally believes it. This logic continues to the development of the costume. I won’t reveal spoilers here, but the costume has several progressions to the final suit. This exposition of form matches the plot. Changes are happening, and the character’s appearance is adapting logically to propel the story. I’m thankful the filmmakers spent so much time on this.
The film takes a wistful look at America during World War Two. The war bond drive, New York City in the forties, even race relations are portrayed in an idyllic manner. This was the era of Rosie the Riveter, gallantly working in the factory while the boys were off to fight. Johnston, who also directed another of my favorite period superhero films - The Rocketeer, skillfully paints the us versus them scenario. Captain America is a mythic hero, an uncorruptable force of good against the evil. He represents a noble nation of right. This black and white seems silly in a day of cynicism. Here it is pitch perfect, Captain America stirs up the patriotic spirit. Almost makes me wish Paramount released this film on July 4th!
The biggest suprise of Captain America is Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter. I have pissed and moaned all summer over the dearth of good female characters. We finally have one that’s not just there for T & A. Carter’s admiration of Rogers leads to a quiet romance that is sublimely rewarding. This mantra of the strength within that fuels Rogers greatness, also captures Carter’s attention. No cheesy melodrama here, just a good, old-fashioned romance. There’s a scene in particular where the Colonel and Carter are watching a film reel of Captain America’s latest battle. When he opens his compass, he’s put her picture in the case. While the Colonel scoffs, Carter has a sheepish giggle of surpise. That’s nuance folks, a minor scene that speaks volumes to the bond between the characters. Evans and Atwell sell this romance. Michael Bay, director of the Transformers franchise, needs to sit and watch this movie to learn how to direct women sensibly!
Captain America does not have ludicrous, over the top action scenes. I overheard a few people moaning about this. I disagree with them completely. Everything in this story is taken in context. The action is good, but it’s not orgiastic like Harry Potter or Transformers. I do not subscribe to the philosophy that bigger explosions make better action films. My one quip is that Johnston may have relied a bit much on montages during the action scenes, but - gasp - he was more interested in the story than just blowing sh*t up.
Captain America, as a proud American, I will never call it The First Avenger, is the best comic adaptation of the summer. X-Men was a darker story with more eye-popping action, but it didn’t grab me like this film did. I can honestly say for the first time that I am excited about seeing The Avengers. It looks, from the setup here, that Captain America may be the primary character in that film. I certainly hope they take what Joe Johnston has done so well here and capitalize on it.
