Best Marvel movie since original Iron Man.

Rating: 9/10 (11 November 2011)

The final set up movie for The Avengers now reveals itself, and I am proud to admit that it's an enjoyable experience. Much like Thor, this movie, despite all of its implausibility, takes itself so seriously that we, as audience members, start to buy into this world that Marvel has made for us.
The story is surprisingly intriguing. It's got a lot of action, but behind it all, lies a heart of gold. The first act does a good job of introducing our heroes and villains so by the time the third act rolls around, we are ready to see them go toe to toe in combat.
The acting is actually pretty good as well. Chris Evans, thankfully, doesn't play Steve Rogers the way he played Human Torch in the Fantastic Four movies. That was my biggest fear, but I'm proud to admit that I was wrong. Evans plays the role of Cap not as a reckless, proud leader, but more like a lost soul that just wants to do right. Hugo Weaving is a great Red Skull. He and Cap are completely different people so, in the case of this movie, opposites do not attract. The supporting cast is okay, except for one weak link in the chain: Dominic Cooper as Howard Stark. For me, it seemed like he just wasn't too invested into the role. It's almost like he had the idea to act like Robert Downey Jr., but somewhere along the way, decided to drop it. To me, that was a disappointment.
The special effects are loaded with tons of CGI and impressive stunts. Being a comic book movie, it's chock full of implausibility, but strangely, as I said before, since it takes itself seriously, we take it seriously. It pulls us into the drama of the characters with such ease that I was utterly at awe.
Final verdict: While it's not as good as other Marvel movies like Iron Man and X-Men: First Class, this is one of the better comic book movies. It's energetic and successfully hyped me up for The Avengers movie. Don't miss out on this one!