SUCK MY DISC

In which we cover the DVD, Blu-Ray, and TV -on-DVD releases for 10/25/11

 

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

**1/2 (out of ****)

 

This week in DVD releases comes Captain America: The First Avenger, the fifth film to come from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (following Iron Man 1 & 2, The Incredible Hulk, and Thor). This so-called “universe” of films started strong with the introduction of Iron Man, however, steadily lost steam with each following film. Is Captain America the film to get this franchise back on track and ready for this upcoming summer’s release of The Avengers? It depends on what you expect from it.

Let me start off by saying I love the idea of comic books, and have dabbled in them myself, but I’m not an avid reader and am not familiar with the franchise that is Captain America. That said, in my humble opinion a comic book movie should first and foremost be focused on entertainment. A large super hero spectacle should be a popcorn movie, with at least some hint of style and a message. On this level Captain America delivers.

With its visually appealing action sequences, well integrated humor, and strong characters, Captain America sets out on the right foot for what a summer comic book movie should be. The 1940s nostalgic feeling and Nazi enemies also gives the audience a retro familiarity, executed with a unique take.

 

 

 

One of the movie’s strongest aspects comes from its performances of the actors within the movie, starting with Chris Evans and his duel performance. Evans was a fine super hero, capturing the look and delivery needed for such a character. Although, somewhat surprisingly, Evans also nails the “scrawny little-guy” as well. The determination and aspiration just seeps through the little fella. The dynamic between the scientist of Stanley Tucci and the soldier of Tommy Lee Jones is memorable. Both of these performances deliver on a serious level, as well as adding the majority of the humor to the film. However, another wonderfully hilarious performance comes from Dominic Cooper and his portrayal of Howard Stark (the father of Tony Stark). Cooper captures the energy and essence of a Stark established by Robert Downey Jr. in 2008.

 

The exact moment Howard Stark finds out tiny lip mustaches no longer mean fun, smarmy playboy, but instead mean fun, smarmy Jew-hater.

 

With all its good aspects, the movie also has its flaws. The reveal of the actual nature of the enemy and his true form, comes at an odd place in the film and is even spoiled directly in the trailer. The romantic relationship between Captain America and Peggy Carter feels half-baked and forced at best. And finally, the message of the little guy standing up for what he believes in, is completely undermined by the transformation of the puny Steve Rogers into the larger then life super hero Captain America. (Also, seriously, why did that little guy have such a deep manly voice. It just didn’t seem right.)

Overall, Captain America: The First Avenger is a fun film full of entertainment. It delivers on more then one level and isn’t just an “Ooooh look” film (Transformers: Dark of the Moon). Captain America seems to be a step in the right direction, towards the likes of Iron man, and away from the bland flavor of Thor and Iron Man 2. By no means is Captain America a perfect film, however, as a stepping stone to the Avengers movie, it could have been a lot worse of a sign. Will it go down as one of the greatest comic book movies of all time? Probably not. But it will always be an enjoyable movie to watch for most viewers.

 

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ATTACK THE BLOCK, WINNIE THE POOH

– Kyle McFadden