Hey, everyone, welcome back to Silver Screen Spectacle. We’re back today with our latest MCU flashback with the 2011 Captain America: The First Avenger. The film got received well critically, but some audiences deemed it too dull. With the character becoming much more beloved in later films, it's time to revisit his introduction.
This movie has some notable moments and some low moments. Overall, I still think this is a great film, though still the weakest of the trilogy. As got expected from Marvel by this point, Chris Evans was perfect casting for Captain America. He is instantly likable and always gives 100% no matter the type of scene. Hayley Atwell is a superb choice for Peggy Carter, she’s much more than just Steve’s love interest though I love their dynamic. Sebastian Stan is good here, though definitely underutilized compared to later films. Tommy Lee Jones, Dominic Cooper, and Stanley Tucci are all fantastic in their supporting roles. As for our villains, they are played by Hugo Weaving and Toby Jones. These two are talented actors but their villains beyond generic. Specifically Weaving who gets built up as an evil Captain America turns out to be your standard evil nazi stereotype.
Joe Johnston’s directing is phenomenal. This truly feels like an old adventure serial. The script sadly has some issues. If we are following our heroes, the writing works and I am invested fully into what’s going on. If we are following our villains outside of an intriguing opening, their scenes are poorly written and just plain dull. That being said, there are many moments here that rank high for me in the Marvel Universe from Steve outsmarting everyone with the flagpole, the covert rescue mission, and many others. However, my favorite sequence is the ending. Spoilers obviously, but Steve and Peggy’s last call always breaks my heart and I’ve never been able to avoid getting goosebumps with Steve’s “I had a date”.
The costume and set design feel spot-on for the period. The visual effects to put Chris Evans on a smaller guy’s body have aged shockingly well, as have all the effects. Though one effect/makeup choice I’m not a huge fan of is Red Skull. It doesn’t look bad, but it’s distracting and not at all intimidating. At 124 minutes, the pacing is good. The film takes a while to get going and standalone villain sequences slow things down, but never to where the movie makes me totally lose interest. As for the end credits scene, this time it’s not a scene but a teaser trailer for The Avengers. Nowadays this is pointless as you can immediately just watch Avengers after this. Back in 2011, though it was mind-blowing, it was really coming in just under a year The Avengers would release and the entire audience was going crazy.
So overall Captain America: The First Avenger is not a dull movie or a terrible movie. Quite the opposite this is an old-school adventure film that is still tons of fun today, you just have to sit through the slower parts. So guys that’s it for this Flashback let me know what you think of this movie in the comments below and if you liked the article maybe share it. See ya’ll tomorrow!
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