Captain America: First Avenger

The superhero who has epitomized American ideals since his creation by Stan Lee in the early 1960's has finally found his place on the silver screen. It's no surprise either, given the enormous success of the other superhero films of the past few summers.

Captain America is yet another puzzle piece in the Marvel universe that connects the Avengers into what will certainly be a wildly successful culminating project next summer. Joe Johnston (Jurassic Park III, Jumanji, the Wolfman) is the next in line of theoretically odd director choices, but whose stylized action and almost cheesy effects make the film light-hearted, and ultimately perfectly appropriate for the subject and the audience.

The film follows perfectly the comic storyline set forth by Lee, where the Americans infuse a physically weak, yet lionhearted young man with a super-serum to fight back the Nazi invasion of Europe in WWII. How can anyone whose last name doesn't end in a "tz" not root against the Nazis? Let's be honest, even Germans are ashamed of that little historical hiccup. Anyway, my point is that the Nazis make the ultimate villains in any historical fiction story, and throw some jingoistic underdog into the mix, and a super-villain played by Hugo Weaving, and you've got something special.

Chris Evans plays Steve Rogers, the Captain, with his typical casual humorous, yet dashingly handsome and rugged demeanor. It appears very natural for him, which makes him more believable. He makes the physical transformation from barely 5' tall, 98 pounds, to at least 6'2, 200 lbs. right before our eyes, which is incredible for an actor (alright, they CGI'd his "before" body) and becomes Captain America, and truly gives the role justice.

Weaving shakes off his distinct British intonation that makes him so recognizable (he's actually from Nigeria, I bet you didn't know that) and tries on a schmaltzy German accent that is actually kind of fun. He is a good bad guy, and has great make-up and special effects to make him the Red Skull.

Hayley Atwell comes on strong as the flirty government program liason, and has good chemistry with Evans, although they both look a bit too movie star to be in combat in WWII. Tommy Lee Jones and Stanley Tucci deliver wonderful supporting performances, and the rag-tag group of Rogers' military friends (ethnically diverse to instill the melting pot feeling) help fill any dialogue void and some comic relief.

Ultimately, this was an unexpected treat. They took what to me is a bit of a boring superhero, and made a really fun popcorn flick. Another hit for Marvel, and a great choice in Johnston. I'm looking forward to Evans' character again in next year's Avengers. It's hard to imagine how Joss Whedon will display all that talent and movie gold, but that's why he gets the big bucks, and why I keep coming back to the theatres.

Sitting through the credits, I was expecting one thing, but got another entirely. Always thinking one step ahead, you will get your first glimpse at the Avengers, though I was secretly hoping for a Jeremy Renner fueled Hawkeye. Maybe 2013. If you're tired of over the top special effects and boy wizards, but still have a hankering for popcorn and superhero action, go see this film. You won't be disappointed. One of the best Marvel has done to date. 9/10.