Entertainment.

Rating: 7/10 (1 August 2011)

This was an enjoyable movie, although rather frustrating at times. It could have been great but doesn't really come close. I have a theory that most movies can be improved by cutting them down, but I don't like censorship. The great ones, however, are best left untouched. This one has so many unnecessary clichés. Men in coats randomly turning knobs, arrogant army-people, weak people stereotypes, relationship stereotypes. But really, the problem is the *cinematic* clichés. The way these sequences and ideas are filmed the same way they've always been made as if it's the only possible way.
The movie got more interesting when it poked fun at (or satirised or whatever) 1940's American war propaganda. Still, Superman seems more of the squeaky-clean all-American hero, giving friendly tips and speeches after each rescue. Captain America is not as noble or as much of a leader. He's a good guy who was given powers and who takes ages to figure out he should use them. He never questions the process. A classic quality of a hero is that they never choose power.
Chris Evans is likable and convincing I reckon but seriously, all these "hot" celebrities playing "ugly" or "weak" is weird. Guess they didn't have a choice. But Steve Rogers could have been one of the most interesting movie characters ever. The thing is, I think people with his level of dedication and who have been through all those beatings develop a high level of discipline and end up strong. Especially psychologically but also physically. They're kind because they know how it feels to be hurt. Usually, to be really stereotypical, the big strong guys are soft on the inside while the small guys are really edgy and aggressive.
This movie basically supports steroids. You know, it's so important that we care about this guy, that we believe he's good-hearted and then they just give him strength and he's like "cool beans". Hugo Weaving was cool as the villain, strange accent, a little like Arnie at times but certainly pretty unique and memorable. Shame the role's so one- dimensional. He likes playing mysterious masked/scarred people.
As a popcorn accompaniment, this is plenty good. The action wasn't amazing but was consistently good and fun to watch. I liked the overall style, like some forgotten time and place. Also hilarious how they had better technology 70 years ago than now, I didn't realise that. And how love sprouts so rapidly. Plenty to like and plenty to be like "why?". His shield was awesome :)