Requested Nostalgic Review: Captain America: The First Avenger

The final Marvel installment before the most anticipated climax in recent film history arrived in March 2012.

It shows the well known story of how Steve Rogers become one of the most recognisable superheroes of all-time.
From a fragile but brave young American, to the face of the American Army and the greatest of their generation.

There is a great mix of terrific action set in WWII time and stereotypical cliched superhero dialogue. That is probably in the right order as well. The development of Captain America I thought was very interesting, and like other Marvel films there were hints and clues that would eventually lead to events in Avengers Assemble.
It definitely felt more like a war thriller with a bit of espionage then your typical superhero film. I was not too struck by the villain. My enjoyment seemed to go a step backwards. But thankfully, the main protagonists kept this film going and made it mean something instead of just being filler before The Avengers.

As for the performances. Chris Evans was really good and I could see him stealing a few scenes in Marvel Avengers Assemble. It is perfectly cast and could well be a new favourite Avenger. Hugo Weaving as the villain is always a guarantee for a top performance. It probably was not one of his best roles, but he still knows how to be evil especially in the pantomime tone that this film dips their toes into. Hayley Atwell had a glorious on-screen presence as the leading lady and definitely had the face that fitted the time period for a 1940's dame. The best of the minor roles was definitely lead by Tommy Lee Jones. Other mentions would be Stanley Tucci who continues to be probably the best choice for a supportive role, Dominic Cooper who looked pretty slick as Howard Stark and Toby Jones as Weaving's assistant who always produces his best work in everyone of his films.

I'm glad it was better then I expected, and this got me more excited for Marvel Avengers Assemble. I was really pleased that the people making these Marvel films are making everyone enjoyable in their own way rather than just quickly making some origins story to get to the end so they can make the epic conclusion to the epic tale. It's definitely not the best Marvel film, but surprising me and many others is credit enough to make this a good film to watch.

Rating: 7/10