Cheesy but fun

Rating: 6/10 (20 August 2011)

As everybody knows, Marvel Studios is quickly gearing up for their epic Avengers movie. Every film they release just adds another piece to the great ensemble of characters they are assembling for this film. However, I would have to call Captain America: The First Avenger this most important of all these setup films. It's the epic story of the iconic Captain America, set in World War II. Captain America is the symbol of America, fighting Nazis with his red, white, and blue shield. The film tells his story, starting out as the scrawny and pathetic Steve Rogers who is pumped with a super serum that turns him into a muscular hero, designed to be America's first super soldier. He is then sent overseas to fight the insane Nazi general, Red Skull. The film is a lot of fun with nonstop action and excitement. It has its problems, but I really see it as more of a setup for the Avengers movie than anything else.
What sets Captain America apart from other superhero movies is obviously the time period. The film is basically a superhero period piece, and the film captures that really well. The costuming, the settings, the dialogue all stays true to the period, making this a very unique superhero flick. Many moments of the the film do have this sepia overtone almost. The colors seem watered down at moments and then replaced by a very light sepia tone, a look which sort of distracts me. I'm not sure why, but it does, and I'm not a huge fan of it. The whole film has an airbrushed look to it that makes it different and interesting looking, but it's not my cup of tea. I prefer grittier and darker while Captain America is more bright and smoother around the edges.
I think I also have a slight issue with the idea of Captain America in general, as a superhero. What I find interesting about other superheroes are their flaws. Iron Man is an egotistical prick who constantly has to balance his ego with his obligation to defend the world. Thor is irresponsible to the point where it gets him kicked out of Asgard. Spider-Man battles his own personal adolescent issues all the time. And let's not even get started on Batman, who is more of an anti-hero when you get right down to it. But Captain America is a virtually flawless character, especially in this movie. He is the idea superhero who is more of an icon than a human being. This is something that does make sense for the time period he is in and what he is supposed to stand for as the comics surely outline. But for me, I don't find it nearly as interesting and it bores me to an extent.
But, all things considered, Captain America is a fun film. It's got great action with tons of explosions and gunfights. Lots of Nazis get their asses handed to them by the Captain, something we can all agree is a triumphant event to witness. The film is shot well with some very thrilling camera-work in certain scenes. The film moves very fast and it never stops for anything. The excitement always builds and the action never slows down. It's not difficult to keep up with but you definitely don't want to fall behind because you will be left out of something awesome. The film has plenty of cheese and some eye-roll worthy moments, but in a way it's all part of the fun. This isn't your dark and gritty World War II film like Saving Private Ryan. It's your idealistic and empowering World War II film like any "Buy War Bonds" video from the time period. Again, I prefer the grit, but can at least enjoy Captain America for what it is.
Overall, I don't know that I will remember Captain America: The First Avenger as a Captain America film or a great setup for the Avengers film. Maybe a little bit of both, but as I think back to it now I think more about the fantastic scene after the credits (and if I just spoiled something for you then you, my friend, are quite naive) than what happened during the movie. But regardless, the film itself is fun and it has some great moments. It's not exactly my cup of tea when it comes to superhero films, but I enjoyed it for what it was and don't regret watching it.