Welcome to the No B.S. movie review. For these, I won’t be pandering about things your average movie fan doesn’t care about (the cinematography matters largely if it affects the presentation) or summarizing the plot (my phone alone has four different ways to find previews, and that’s without counting previews in theaters or commercials on television). No, the point of these reviews will be to give you the basics to decide if you really want to see this flick. Yes, that means spoiler-free. For a more traditional review by our own Brendan Campbell, click here. Without further ado, the No B.S. Review for Captain America: The First Avenger
This is a comic book movie, through and through. At first, it even almost feels like a live-action cartoon with how exaggerated everything is, from the character archetypes themselves to the overly witty dialogue. Go in expecting a lot of explosions and big action set pieces with tongue planted firmly in cheek, a sense of wonder, and a strong moral compass from the protagonist.
That doesn’t automatically mean this is okay for younger viewers, however, as there are some adult themes scattered throughout.
While blood is rarely shown several characters die (both good and bad). Much of the deaths come via disintegration from space aged weaponry or falling from great heights (without a landing shown). The villain, the Red Skull, might also be frightening to younger viewers though no more than Skeletor or Mumm-Ra were 20 years ago. They have all the depth you’d expect, as well.
Chris Evans plays an excellent Steve Rogers, truly respecting the character. He plays the role as straight and square jawed as any could expect. Stanley Tucci, as Dr. Abraham Erksine, steals every scene he’s in. He chews scenery left and right but since he’s only in the start of the movie he leaves Evans plenty of time to shine.
Director Joe Johnston clearly really loves this period and the pastiche it invokes but sometimes goes a bit overboard. There are no less than three montage sequences in this film; necessitated not only by the sheer amount of materia, but also by how much time is spent establishing the era. The first (the standard training montage) was all but a given. The second (Rogers hawking bonds for the State Department) goes on for far too long. This whole portion of the movie is almost a tribute to that era’s Captain America, which normally wouldn’t be a problem in a longer movie. Unfortunately t causes the necessity of the third montage, the taking out of the Hydra bases. That could have been a number of really impressive action scenes but instead is relegated to one succession of action sequences.
The action, even without that key element, is excellent. Captain America was brilliantly over the top in outclassing his enemies taking out Hydra Agents, robots and surviving death traps with ease. HeThe climactic sequence in particular was impressive, going through several locales and really heightening the excitement until the end.
Who will enjoy this movie? Comics fans will love this. Any number of nods to different comic mythology is here, from the Norse gods to the Howling Commandos and Howard Stark. Those who just want to watch fun action and chow on popcorn will enjoy a slow opening that leads into an action packed second half. Children, from about 8 to 15-years-old, will love this as it’s great fun with a sense of humor and a strong moral. If you’re looking for a serious period exploration piece or a darker exploration of comics look elsewhere. This is a logical, well acted, fun, and simple action adventure.
My Rating? 8/10.
New readers, if you like or dislike the format, please let me know, either in the comments below or on Facebook. Those who read the reviews of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and Horrible Bosses, let me know how the review format holds up for a third movie. Everyone, please remember to check back next week for the No BS Movie Review of Cowboys and Aliens
