Chris Evans in "Captain America: The First Avenger"
photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Movie Review
Jackie K Cooper
“Captain America: The First Avenger” (Paramount Pictures)

Cheers For the Red White and Blue

It seems the wait through the summer for the arrival of Captain America was worth it. This super hero is in a class all by himself and easily outshines Thor and the Green Lantern. The movie that presents him, “Captain America: The First Avenger,” is a well made and beautifully acted film that holds audiences spellbound for the entire length of its story. Chris Evans has the right blend of aw shucks Americana, and handsome hero persona.

The story starts with a thin to the extreme young man named Steve Rogers trying to enlist for duty with the Army. World War II is raging and Rogers wants to do his part. He gets rejected four times but finally on the fifth try is accepted, because Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) wants to use him in an experimental program. Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones) doesn’t think much of Erskine’s selection.

Eventually Rogers does participate in the experiment which turns him into a muscled man who is possessed of amazing speed and strength. His bravery and daring are all his own. Better yet he inspires others to be brave and he leads a band of soldiers in a fight against the evil Johann “The Red Skull” Schmidt, one of Germany’s most evil soldiers.

The film is a blend of heroics, comedy and even a little romance thanks to Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) who is also in the military unit to which Rogers is assigned. Steve and Peggy have a romance going on between them but it is carried out with looks and brief touches and eventually a kiss.

All of the actors are good and this is truly an ensemble effort led by Evans. Jones is at his growly best, Atwell is pretty and brave, Weaving is an inspired villain, and Toby Jones is impressive as one of Schmidt’s minions. They all do their part to make the total effort an enjoyable and exciting one.

The added factor is the absolute patriotism of the film. It is the first time in a long time we have had a rousing pro-American movie. Captain America is his name and patriotism is his game. All of the great things about America are gathered into this one super hero.

So if you are tiring of “super heroes” give this one a last chance to stir up your emotions and give you the thrill of victory, “Captain America” is as rip-roaring as you could want and as thrilling as you could imagine. It may have taken us all summer to get to this last action hero but it was certainly worth the wait.

I scored “Captain America: The First Avenger” a red, white and blue 8 out of 10.

            JKC