I saw Captain America last night and it was awesome. It was awesome for it’s copious amounts of ass-kicking, it was awesome for it’s very human characterization of it’s titular hero, and it was awesome for it’s continuity with Thor. Marvel FINALLY got someone(s) on board who know how to translate 50 years of continuity to the screen and still not lose the essence of the character. The film recounts the story of would-be soldier, Steve Rogers, and his all-important, though ultimately fruitless pursuit of military enlistment during WWII. Because of his determination and virtuous nature, he was offered a chance to take part in experimental super-soldier project. Though frail and weak, he succeeds through his inner-strength and heart. Treated with super-soldier serum and bombarded with Vita-Rays, puny Steve Rogers is transformed into powerful Captain America. I won’t give more away, but I will say that the movie is firmly tied to the events of Thor and features the insidious Cosmic Cube. (and a bunch of Kirby Krackle) Also in the film is the evil Red Skull, very admirably played by Hugo Weaving, even with the facial prosthetics, he delivers a dynamite performance. Evans also does a great job in his role, which is in part owed to a great script; his part was well-written. Best of all, I didn’t think they leaned nearly as heavily on CGI as they did in Thor, that being said, it feels more realistic (though it has it’s moments of over-the-top craziness, the bomb bay of the flying wing, for instance) What makes the hero impressive also makes him approachable, he is portrayed as marginally superhuman. He isn’t invulnerable the way Iron Man is (which is also strongly tied to this film, with Stark’s dad playing a major supporting role) he doesn’t put on a suit to make himself invulnerable, nor is he like Thor, an invincible alien, but he is a powerful man, but in no way is he considered invincible, a gun will still kill him, but he can take out a tank just like Thor or Iron Man, but he uses ingenuity and tactics (and a grenade), as opposed to brute super-powered force. This curtailing of his superheroics keeps that human aspect of the character, despite him being thrust into superhuman situations.
Luby’s Review
9 out of 10.
