A Child's Dream on the Screen

Rating: 10/10 (31 July 2015)

I will definitely say that this is another film that I feel distinct honor and pleasure in reviewing. I've been a Marvel fan since I was a kid. Sure, I had my Batman bout (with a little RoboCop and Power Rangers thrown into the mix); but, for the most part, I've always been a Captain America fan.
After the poor reception (which was grossly undeserved) for Albert Pyun's vision of Captain American (1991), along with the independently produced adaption of "The Punisher" (1989) starring Dolph Lundgren, the Marvel superhero film just didn't catch wind in their sails. It was not until Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" (2002) that Marvel finally had a hit. Of course, what could Marvel Studios follow up with other than one of the most iconic superheros in the history of comic books?
(Note: I'm not taking anything away from "Daredevil." But, the lack of vision from the production company, along with its PG-13 rating, killed any chance of that film being a success. As great of a film that it was, I don't believe that it was Ben Affleck that killed Daredevil. But, that's another review...)
This was a long time coming for a fan like me. I was deployed overseas when I heard that the film was coming out and I was excited, but also apprehensive. I was honestly afraid that it would be botched or not live up to what I felt and saw as a child reading Captain America comics.
Boy, was I wrong...
Chris Evans did a masterful job as Steve Rogers / Captain America, and the introduction of Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith from "The Matrix" trilogy) was the icing on the cake with his great acting ability as Red Skull. Set during World War II, a frail Steve Rogers has attempted to join the Army to fight for his country and for what was right. After being rejected by every recruiting station, he was finally recruited into a training program to select America's Super- Soldier. Tommy Lee Jones ("Men in Black") is LTC Chester Phillips, the battalion commander of the super-soldier unit; and he attempts everything in his disposal to weed out Rogers. It's his heart and determination that gets him to the final stage of the training: transformation into the super- soldier.
To me, the film is masterfully done. The acting was right, the special effects were superb, and it was released in the best time. In a post-9/11 world, America NEEDED Captain America. As a veteran myself, I identify with Captain America: a man who attempts to do the right thing, no matter the cost; a man who stands up for his country against any adversary, even those right next to him; and a man who keeps his moral integrity, even when the odds are against him. That seems like a recruiting poster in itself, but that's the creed that military personnel live by and thus, what Captain America lives by.
As a fan and as a veteran, I can't think of any better representation of what America should stand for than Captain America. Some of what he believes is lost in this new century. The advent of technology and weaponry that was vastly different than what he knew of during WWII is awe-filling and frightening at the same time. However, no matter the cost, he fights on against those who threaten the country he loves so dearly.
As a comic fan and a veteran, if you love fun and love to see a patriotic film that has the great mix of action and superheros, please watch Captain America. This was the film that made me remember why I enlisted and why I love this great country. In addition, it made me finally proud to be a comic book fan.