Thursday, July 28, 2011

Captain America: The first avenger Review

Lets hope this doesn't suck!
THE MOVIE: CRITIC'S TAKE

Captain America was one of those comic book heroes that everyone wanted to see on the big screen. The only problem was doing it justice. The first Captain America film was a disaster. It makes Batman and Robin look like oscar contenders. So I can imagine how hesitant Marvel Studios was about making another adaption. After the success of Iron Man and the so-so success of Thor and The Hulk they figured why not. Captain America hasn't seen the light of day in a long time and most fans might welcome him again sense america's economy is in the toilet. Seems as though Marvel may have been right.

STORY

The film begins with a very skinny Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, trying to get into the army. He isn't army material and is rejected in five different states. He precedes to get the crap beat out of him by bullies alike. His friend takes him to a Stark show where he tries to reenlist into the army. This time a scientist by the name of Dr. Erskine, played by Stanley Tucci, sees something special in him. He gives Steve a chance in the army but it looks like Colonel Chester, played by Tommy Lee Jones, is not happy with this choice. Why should he be? I mean just look at him.

You're too damn skinny


He goes to training camp and can't keep up with the others physically but proves he has the courage and brains to get the job done. Chester is still not impressed but the young vixen Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell, is. Steve Roger is informed that he will be a test subject for the new super soldier program. He gladly agrees and becomes the soldier he knew he always was and the heartthrob that Peggy always wanted.

Not anymore
Meanwhile over across the ocean there is a war being fought. Red Skull, played by Hugo Weaving, is planning to use a source of power, that can only be described as magic, to rid the world of not just his enemies but also everyone else. He sends his people to retrieve the super serum but Steve quickly takes care of the issue. Chester wanted an army but only got Steve instead. Chester was not happy. The USA decide to make Steve a show tune icon instead of a soldier. He tours the country spreading patriotism but the real soldiers can smell BS a mile away. Steve sees a way that he can finally prove himself but Chester just gives him the stink eye. He has no choice but to make himself a hero.

War hero





He rescues the fallen soldiers from the hands of Red Skull and finally proves himself. They enlist his services and he gathers his own special team. Together they take on Red Skull and his evil gang of super freaks. This leads to an emotional ending that finally sets up the avenger movie. I guess that old saying is true... "When you get it all you end up losing it all."

Legend

 

ACTING

The acting here wasn't bad overall. I didn't like Chris Evans in this role. He seemed to be out of touch with the character and couldn't get a hold on it. Hayley and Tommy Lee were the best here. Hayley was able to capture the feel of the women during that time and Tommy Lee was a real pain in the ass. Hugo played the same character as usual. He plays a good villain but I was hoping that he could have done more. The supporting cast was funny at times but the chemistry for all wasn't there. I didn't care for any of the characters and I think some recasting should have been in order. The acting wasn't bad but it wasn't a blast either.

It's time to kick ass
SPECIAL EFFECTS

Nothing special here. The effects was decent for the film but I didn't think they captured the feel and vibe of that era. I've seen better period pieces than this. It felt like they just slapped on the 40s wardrobe and told them to act. The environments weren't catchy and you can tell they spent more time on the gadgets than the actually scenery. It had it's moments but nothing that will stick in your mind. Well maybe the last scene with Red Skull might do the trick.

I think he's having his period
WRITING AND DIRECTING

The movie was written by Christopher Marcus and Stephen Mcfeely. They wrote some interesting dialog and intense sequences. The story flowed nicely enough but I felt that whole show tune crap could have been left out. I was hoping for more action with Captain America than that cram fest montage they filmed. They focused more on the man than the hero. It should have been the other way around. The film was directed by Joe Johnston and he did a fantastic job. The action is crisp and everything is in focus. Visually some of the action scenes is indeed eyeopening. He did well with what he had and it wasn't much.

THE END

It's a decent film worth seeing once. I wasn't impressed with it and was barely entertained. I kept getting bored and drifting off into a day dream. I was thinking of ways of making this film better but I'm sure some of you will enjoy the film more than I did. It has action (at times), a love story, war, and a dude with a period on his face. I recommend it for all comic book lovers.

OVERALL


STORY - 6 out of 10
ACTING - 5 out of 10
SPECIAL EFFECTS - 6 out of 10
WRITING - 7 out of 10
DIRECTING - 7 out of 10


OVERALL SCORE 6 out of 10 (WORTH A WATCH)