Predominantly set during World War II, Steve Rogers is a sickly man from Brooklyn who's transformed into super-soldier Captain America to aid in the war effort. Rogers must stop the Red Skull – A...
The First Avenger confidently throws its shield in enjoyable acts of heroism. Captain America. The man everyone wants to become. Pure hearted, self-sacrificing bravery and a body that could make anyone swoon (me especially). This phase one origin story of Marvel's enigmatic cinematic universe may not be the strongest of the original 'Avengers', but is packed with a colossal amount of sincerity and an appealingly good-hearted protagonist. Making it near impossible not to enjoy. He is the "Star Spangled Man" after all. A borderline paper-thin Steve Rogers desires to join the army, but does not have the physical prowess or stamina to do so. His vast level of bravery allows him to enrol and become a super-soldier, in a bid to stop the Red Skull and his Nazi division known as Hydra from taking over the world.
Director Johnston, accompanied by Markus and McFeely's timely screenplay, got one aspect absolutely spot on. The character of Captain America. The symbolic embodiment of heroism and patriotism. A representation of nationalism, displaying the brevity and amiable power of America's superiority during World War II. Unable to save captured soldiers? Don't fret, Captain America is here! Fell down and can't get back up? Do not worry, Cap will graciously lift you back up. Thrown into a canal? Well, chances are you can swim, so save yourself. His character progression may not be as advanced as other superheroes, but that's because his heart was already perfect. The physical transformation allows him to display his fearlessness during acts of valour. Evans portrayed this to perfection.
Even when I first watched this years ago, he automatically asserted his physical and personable demeanour, assuring audiences that he was the only choice to play this character. To be honest, I couldn't see anyone else pull it off. Evans is Cap. Johnston and the writers had the difficult job of presenting an origin story and the first integral chapter in the MCU. Whilst both of these sides were balanced, unfortunately many aspects were inevitably underdeveloped and rushed.
The first act was executed thoroughly. Establishing the light-hearted romance with Agent Carter, introducing the villainous Red Skull's motives (played excellently by Weaving) and undergoing the physically enhancing experiment. Once Captain America starts divulging in acts of valour, the narrative starts to crumble under the weight of bloated exposition. Tucci's mad scientist was primarily used just for detailing the plot in its entirety. Bucky and Steve's friendship lacked natural development and felt too staged. And the entire third act, which involved infiltrating a Hydra stronghold, passed by in a flash. The final showdown, the resolution of plot holes and the setup for proceeding chapters, again, were all rushed. It's a shame considering the first half was paced meticulously like clockwork.
The action was exciting (albeit unmemorable) and the 1940s environment was gorgeously replicated. The visual effects were occasionally garish, particular the noticeable green screen, however superimposing Evans' head on Deeny's body was sublime. For what it's worth, The First Avenger is a perfectly solid film. Its primary focus on characters is what drives the film through minefields and grants the plot fiery production value. However it tries to tackle too much and often succumbs to exposition which detracts from the vivid characters. A solid start cementing the foundations of what is to come in the future.
