Captain America leads the fight for freedom in the action-packed blockbuster starring Chris Evans as the ultimate weapon against evil! When a terrifying force threatens everyone across the globe, the world's greatest soldier wages war on the evil HYDRA organization, led by the villainous Red Skull (Hugo Weaving, The Matrix).
A few years ago, it might have been hard to imagine Captain America making it to the big screen, let alone being the subject of the kind of big-budget superhero blockbuster that director Joe Johnston's take on the character has turned out to be.
For one thing, Captain America comes off as a pretty silly concept these days: a young, kind-hearted but gangly Brooklyn kid called Steve Rogers wants to serve for the US in World War Two, but is rejected from the armed forces because he's too skinny and too short. So, he volunteers to become the subject of a top-secret military experiment to create "super soldiers" through developing a magical serum that boosts physical strength and agility. Compared to some of the more complex and conflicted personalities we've seen in superhero films lately, that sort of simplicity could seem outdated and naïve.
For another thing, the character is one of the most nationalistic and jingoistic comic-book characters ever created, with an unwavering commitment to his country and a costume that effectively drapes him in the stars and stripes. Whilst that kind of thing might play well in the USA, it which could potentially make him a hard sell elsewhere in the world - especially in these politically-sensitive times.
It's to Johnston's credit, then, that he manages to overcomes these obstacles not by side-stepping them, but by addressing them head-on.
Firstly, the film is leant immeasurable depth by the casting of Chris Evans in the title role. Whilst the actor is no stranger to comic-book movies - having played major roles in fairly two-dimensional films like Fantastic Four and The Losers - Evans seems to really raise his game here, playing the part of Rogers with the kind of total sincerity and conviction that's necessary if we're really to buy into the idea that he's such a good-hearted soul. Not only does Evans sell the reality of the character, but he even manages to encourage us to sympathise with him, giving him an utterly convincing selfless attitude, a believable friendship with his brother-in-arms James 'Bucky' Barnes, a touching relationship with the super-soldier project's lead scientist, Abraham Erskine (played by Stanley Tucci, who turns in a surprisingly moving performance), and a compelling romantic interest in female British agent Peggy Carter.
Secondly, the inherent jingoism of Captain America as a concept is made an important part of the story itself, as Rogers is initially given a starring role in a morale-building USO entertainment show for the American troops. This gives the film the chance to acknowledge the camper elements of the character (particularly of his first costume, floppy boots, impractical outfit and all) as well as to pay homage to iconic moments from the comic (notably the cover of the very first issue, which featured Captain America punching Hitler - who is represented here by one of Rogers' fellow actors).
Having acknowledged and effectively addressed both of these potential concerns, Johnston is then free to progress to the main part of the story, which propels Rogers into an altogether more compelling and serious role, pitting him against an occultist Nazi leader called the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) who has harnessed the power of a mysterious energy source that could help him achieve world domination.
Yes, it's a little cheesy, but the tone is light enough to support the more far-fetched elements of the plot, coming off as similar to the knockabout fun of Indiana Jones (a franchise that even gets a sly acknowledgement in one of this film's earliest scenes). It's also a little reminiscent of the Rocketeer movie - also directed by Johnston - in the way that it applies a retro feel to a traditional swashbuckling story whilst also providing enough in the way of cutting-edge effects and action that modern audiences won't be disappointed.
By the time the exciting finale rolls around, viewers might find themselves surprised by just how much they've emotionally invested in a character who essentially boils down to a goody-two-shoes draped in an American flag - and how much they've found themselves affected by the more bittersweet elements of the film's plot.
Furthermore, "Captain America: The First Avenger" (to give the film its full title) is also a part of the burgeoning Marvel Movie Universe, which means that it subtly builds on ideas already established in films like Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Thor and forms part of the build-up to this summer's mega-superhero-team-blockbuster, The Avengers. These build-up elements aren't as distracting as they were in Iron Man 2 - instead, they serve to stir up a little interest in the forthcoming attraction (and what role Captain America might play in it) without ever compromising the main story being told here.
And buyers of the Blu-ray will be able to enjoy even more pointers towards the Avengers, as the high-definition disc also includes a special exclusive short film that tells a side-story involving SHIELD Agent Coulson (as seen in the Iron Man and Thor movies).
Whilst Captain America might not be the most out-and-out entertaining of the Marvel Studios movies to have been released so far - that honour still goes to the original Iron Man - it's certainly the most heartfelt and sincere. Its retro setting and wartime backdrop also offer a very different flavour to the majority of superhero movies to have been released so far, and in Chris Evans the studio seems to have found a lead actor who's not only able to carry this film on his shoulders, but who will also be capable of supporting the entire Avengers franchise.
We will publish your review of Captain America - The First Avenger: Triple Play (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)[Region Free] on Blu Ray within a few days as long as it meets our guidelines.
None of your personal details will be passed on to any other third party.
Superhero action adventure based on the 1940s Marvel Comics series. Chris Evans stars as Steve Rogers, who volunteers for a top secret military research project after being deemed physically unfit to enlist in the U.S. Army during the Second World War. The experiment transforms him into super-soldier Captain America, who - along with sidekick Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) - takes on the mighty power of Hitler's henchman Red Skull (Hugo Weaving).
This site uses cookies.
More details in our privacy policy
