I Rather Enjoyed It - a LOT!

Rating: 8/10 (3 November 2012)

For the recent rash of Marvel Comics oriented films from the last few years, I found this one to be the most enjoyable for me. Why? I am sure it has to do with the primary setting of the film as war-torn America in the 1940s, Nazis(they ALWAYS make the best villains), a story with loads of heart, not too over-done special effects, and how about Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter(va-voom!) Anyway, this film starts off with a wonderful patriotic tune with some montages of the 2nd world war done credibly and with inspiration. The settings, the mood, the atmospheres mirror much of what we think of during that time - and yes, it is bent toward patriotism. Hey, the guy is called Captain America! I enjoyed the unfolding of the story. Director Joe Johnston, while not a premier director by any means, does what I think might be his best film. This was a popcorn roller-coaster ride, a Saturday morning serial, just good-old-fashioned movie entertainment - the stuff that good comics are made of. The CGI effects are done well for the most part, the set pieces are very credible for their time period, and the acting is pretty good. Chris Evans makes a very affable hero. Tommy Lee Jones is perfect as a craggy, no-nonsense army general, Hugo weaving is a good Red Skull slash Nazi pain-in-the-ass. Hayley Arwell is an adequate actress and breathtaking to behold. A buffet for the eyes to be sure. Two character actors stand out for me though: Toby Jones as Dr. Arnim Zola(he looks like the perfect Nazi scientist) and, most especially, Stanley Tucci as Dr. Abraham Erskine. His portrayal gives the jump-start for this film in terms of how it evolves. he does a very good job with a fairly small role. Of course we eventually get to Captain America being around today so that he can join The Avengers...okay, but I really liked the background story.