Captain America: The First Avenger

Rating: 10/10 (20 March 2017)

Under the direction of Joe Johnston, Captain America is a film that changed Marvel and action films forever. This film begins with Steve Rodgers being declined from his request to enter the military, due to various health issues and size. As Rodgers attempts to enlist again, he is granted the opportunity to be put through a series of tests to see if he is the most eligible to become Captain America. While he does not exude high levels of athletic ability, he demonstrates a superior level of knowledge during the tests and is given the "super soldier" treatment, which consists of a serum and extremely powerful vita- rays. Rodgers then transforms into a near- perfect human and given a shield, his signature relic. Captain America's main motive in this film is to find the Tesseract, an ancient artifact that contains inconceivable power. As this harmful relic was brought into the earth on accident, it is Rodger's job to eliminate it. Once he discovered that Johan Schmidt, a World War II Nazi officer, held it captive, Captain America made it his mission to recover it, as Schmidt planned to use it as a weapon to wipe out massive cities and groups of people. On Captain's mission to destroy Schmidt and the Tesseract, he discovers that Schmidt is a villain who is given the name, "The Red Skull". Rodgers, Bucky Barnes, one of Rodger's friends who was in the military, and a few others that he recruited to be on his team attacked the infamous Hydra Base, Schmidt's Nazi division, in an attempt to eliminate his project and ensure that he does not follow through with his plans. After Captain and his team attack and succeed, Rodgers seeks out Schmidt's final Hydra operation to finally secure the Tesseract. This film is one that is constantly keeping the audience on their toes and has a defined plot and motive, which are key elements of any good film. Since this film is indeed an action film, the viewer expects that it is filled to the rim with action scenes, and this film definitely does not disappoint. Because of its story line and ability to attract various audiences, this film is one that almost anyone can enjoy.
In this film, there are many different character roles that ultimately impact the plot and outcome of the events that take place. Steve Rodgers, or Captain America, is undeniably the most important and prevalent character in this film. Rodgers starts off as a weak and scrawny young man who wants to enlist in the military. Because of his appearance, he does not seem to exude much confidence in himself, until he is given qualities and physical characteristics that make him at the peak of human perfection, which completely change him as a person. Although he does not have any actual "superhero" qualities, he becomes one of the most perfect human beings, exuding agility, speed, endurance, and power. Steve is undeniably a stubborn person who has often prefers to take on tasks himself, but also has a soft and caring side, which are key elements of any good hero. Although Captain has many huge decisions to make in this film, his morality continues to shine through, as he is a person who values integrity and ethics. Rodgers is seen in this film looking after his friends, such as childhood best friend, James "Bucky" Barnes. Barnes is known for being honest and an overall good person. He looks out for others and is loyal to those that he cares for. Johan Schmidt, or The Red Skull, is Rodger's primary enemy in this film. With injustices, such as stealing the Tesseract or holding hundreds of people hostage at his military base called Hydra, he is known for being immoral, unjust, and egotistical. The protagonist, Captain America, and the antagonist, The Red Skull, are clearly stated from the beginning of the film. The characters in this film not only add special elements to this film, but to various other Marvel films, such as the Avengers film.
While this film contains many messages for the audience to understand and take home, Steve Rodger's perseverance and character is the most prevalent and important in this film. In the beginning of the film, the men who are trying out to be Captain America are put through multiple tests to see who is the most honorable, eligible, and intelligent for this position. The first test that the men are put through is to get a flag from the top of a flagpole. While all of the other men are struggling to grasp the flag and climb the post, Steve quietly observed. Once the Sergeant tells them to move on, Steve casually steps up to the post, pulls out the pin that holds the post to the ground, and as the pole falls to the floor, he picks up the flag and hands it to the officer. This event shows how much intelligence that Steve had, and that the smarter ones always out rule the athletic ones. The message from this little event in the film is that it is okay to not have the most athletic ability, as long as you know a way around it. Many young boys or girls can find hope in this because it is made known that anything is possible. Steve Rodgers is an inspiration to many people because he started from the absolute bottom, and eventually climbed his way to the top. This film is especially important for young people to watch, as Steve's story is inspiring and can motivate others to always find another way.