Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 124 minutes
Release Date: July 22nd, 2011 (USA)
Studio: Marvel Studios / Paramount Pictures
Director(s): Joe Johnston
Writer(s): Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely / Joe Simon and Jack Kirby (comics/characters)

Star-spangled man with a plan.

Not having been someone who read comics as a kid, I am definitely in the dark on the inner-workings of the Marvel universe. Conversely, everyone has a cursory knowledge of DC’s greats. I’m not quite sure why that is. Batman and Superman are household names, their powers and origin tales part of pop culture lexicon. So, why is it I knew nothing about Stan Lee’s equivalent to man’s favorite Kryptonian? Why do we intrinsically know an alien savior, but not the red-blooded American donning our flag’s colors? If you’re like me, you no longer have to be in the dark because Captain America: The First Avenger is here to educate us about out first homegrown superhero of mind, body, and soul.

More war film infused with super soldiers and a bit of science fiction than superhero adventure (let’s call it revisionist history), director Joe Johnston has created something to remind us of his 90s adventures full of intrigue and heart. Personally, Indiana Jones kept coming to mind throughout with action shots and stern close-ups as the stirring score swells with pride around the hero at its center. Recently involved in more gruesome fare with The Wolfman and Jurassic Park III, Johnston’s entry into the Avengers saga leans more towards The Rocketeer and Jumanji in sensibility. The broad strokes of morality and lessons learned prove just as important as the bloodshed and carnage in the midst of World War II. Definitely earning its PG-13 rating, you still can’t help but feel a warm familiar touch. A true heart at the core to resonate with the whole family.

Because while Cap—I mean, Steven Rogers (Chris Evans)—exists in a reality with drunken geniuses like Tony Stark, mutants, and Gods, his image is wholesome. Even after Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) and German scientist Dr. Erskine (Stanley Tucci) transform this scrawny kid from Brooklyn into an elite specimen who has seemingly left mortality behind, this courageous soul remains underestimated. After a lab mishap and the unfortunate news that Rogers would be the only American injected with this formula that enhances one’s true self, Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones) tosses him to the curb rather than deliver the training to put his new abilities to use. A senator looking for increased war bond sales is the only one who offers a hand, turning the most powerful man in the US into a glorified cheerleader. It’s while donning blue tights, winged cap, and flimsy metal shield that he’s allowed to punch Hitler out over and over again. His only shot at war is to become a parody shill. Not quite the heroics he dreamt.

Like all origin stories, however, it isn’t the acquisition of power that makes the man. It’s how he uses them. Embarrassed by the reaction from soldiers on the front towards his “act,” he retreats into camp to reunite with Phillips and Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell)—the latter of which never stopped believing. Sick of the caricature he’s become, Rogers lets loose his aggression and bravery to recover over four hundred men (including best friend, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky) lost behind enemy lines. It was time to test the full potential of his unceasing will to save the world when paired with the tools to finally achieve it. With nothing but faith and honor to guide him, Captain America wields that once worthless title to charge through Nazi territory and smash down anyone in his way.

These aren’t your regular Nazis, though. No, this offshoot is named Hydra (“Heil Hydra! Cut off one head and two are born in its place.”) and led by Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving), a villainous tyrant with grandiose plans to takeover the world. Using Hitler as a scapegoat to occupy the world while he finds Odin’s Cosmic Cube (possessed with a power the Earth has never seen), Schmidt makes his move. An old acquaintance of Dr. Erskine before he fled to the Allies, this monster is more similar to Cap than one might assume. But while the kindness in Rogers’ heart amplified good into great, the darkness of greed within Schmidt transformed him into the Red Skull. His burning desire for power took over, giving immense strength and intellect while destroying all remnants of humanity. A monster wielding laser weaponry created by Dr. Zola (Toby Jones) that’s able to disintegrate everyone in its path, this supervillain is shrewd enough to conquer his mirrored foe.

And thus goes the adventures of Captain America: a simple man discovering the hero within. Along with Red Skull and Stark’s high-tech toys of the future, they become the anachronisms in an otherwise true to life retelling of Germany’s quest for world domination. With its fair share of action (whether a fight atop a moving train, multiple montaged raids of Hydra plants capped by a couple Machete-like motorcycle jumps ahead of explosive flames, or the final battle flying through the sky), the filmmakers never showcasing Steven Rogers as America’s mascot, spokesman, and hero. The 1940s aesthetic plays a huge part in creating a realistic depiction of the past with its propaganda serving as a main piece to the puzzle. The world looks towards the Age of Tomorrow and yearns for something to believe in and rally behind. Cap is all that and more. He’s invested, fearless, and unwavering in ability to make Earth a better place.

The film is still very much a prelude to The Avengers (which now looks more and more like it could be a disaster with way too many storylines to thread together), but also stands on its own. It’s a refreshing feeling after Iron Man 2 and Thor proved to be glorified prologues instead of complete works. Acted nicely by a sprawling cast with many given little to do (even less once the ending is revealed) despite high profiles like Neal McDonough and Derek Luke, the real success comes from Evans’ earnest depiction of the titular hero and the resonate story arc behind him. You will want nothing more than to see him succeed with the war and the girl (Atwell). So, we watch his fight against Weaving’s evil and invest in the human tale running parallel. This first chapter in his life is an appropriate one full of heartbreak and sorrow that turns the page towards a future of hope.

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Left to right: Chris Evans plays Steve Rogers and Hayley Atwell plays Peggy Carter in CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, from Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment. Photo credit: Jay Maidment / Marvel Studios © 2011 MVLFFLLC. ™ & © 2011 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.