Somewhat languid and rather dreary...

Rating: 5/10 (4 September 2014)

I saw this initially when it came out, but was pretty bored by it. After enjoying the latest Captain America installment I decided to revisit this one and give it another chance. Captain America isn't horrible, but it gives you a big case of the blah's for many stretches and that's the main problem. This movie desperately needed more humor in it and that's something they improved greatly on in the sequel. A superhero movie should not feel lifeless, but that's exactly what it felt like on far too many occasions. The storytelling is solid, but basic. It really felt like they were going through the motions. Another problem is the lack of dynamic action. I honestly can't recall one action scene that stood out to me. I will give credit to the set pieces. They mirrored the time period precisely and I bought into the retroactive atmosphere. It really was disappointing that the storytelling was so basic because it could have been so much more! Steven Rogers's story was a very interesting one, but it is told so generically with needless meandering. Chris Evans is very good as Captain America! I thought he was ideal to play the part. It's not his fault he didn't have much to work with. This was a perfect casting choice and thankfully they didn't let him down in the second movie. I also admired the dedication and commitment to get buff and scrawny. He was easily the best part about this movie. Tommy Lee Jones is as engaging as ever in a thinly written role. His gruff persona was a hoot. Hayley Atwill is OK as Roger's love interest. Their attraction felt forced and slightly awkward. Hugo Weaving is solid if uninspired as Red Skull. I thought he came off as very cartoonish myself. Samuel Jackson shows up at the end very briefly to set up the sequel. The rest of the cast is OK
I didn't dislike this movie, but it was inexcusably bland. It was far too long to be as dull as it is. As good as Chris Evans is, he can't overcome everything.
5.5/10