I’m definitely not completely sold on 3D technology, and movie’s like Captain America, are the reason why. At no point during watching it this past weekend did I think to myself, “This is such an awesome scene, I can’t imagine this without my 3D glasses on”. They actually served as more of a hindrance than a help, as they aren’t the most comfortable pieces of eyewear out there. But, when looking at the box office take for the film, I have a good understanding about why Marvel/Paramount decided to add 3D in post production.
Anyways, a bit about “The First Avenger”, it of course starred Chris Evans, who many know from the Fantastic Four franchise and more recently Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Evans proves those that cast him were wise though, as he carries this “bridge” or setup blockbuster into a moderately favorable reviews and a very healthy domestic box office take. Evans’ boyish, cocky swagger that served him well as “the Human Torch”(Or whatever he is, in Fantastic Four) wasn’t replicated here, as it so often is in superhero movies. He brought a relatable, selfless underdog-“esque” charisma to the role that I think many audiences enjoyed. Even after the transformation, from the below-average Joe to Captain America, Evans’ still managed to show the character’s vulnerability.
Captain America has a few supporting performances that are noteworthy, the first of which being Hayley Atwell, as Peggy Carter. Other than the notion of her being an agent in the United States Army being extremely far-fetched, she has great chemistry with Evans’ onscreen and she can fake deliver a punch with the likes of the Jolie’s and Jovovitch’s of the world. There’s a scene with her towards the end of the movie, where she dons a red dress, that I’m sure all the drool-y adolescent Marvel fan boys will be replaying in their minds (Or on their PC’s) for the rest of the summer. I’d look for some big things from Atwell after this effort.
Hugo Weaving, as Johann Schmidt/Red Skull, might be the best villain in a superhero flick in quite some time. His grandiose, borderline lunacy which he exudes during any monologue where he’s detailing his plans for world domination are exceptional. I see a lot of similarities to his performance and Christoph Waltz’s in Inglorious Basterds, but I won’t be surprised if Weaving doesn’t win an Oscar, but give the man a Saturn nomination or something, at least..
Stanley Tucci, is Dr. Abraham Erskine and is as he usually is, quite brilliant (I heard the biggest reason he signed onto the film was because he’s always wanted to portray a character with a German accent). But, he is very convincing with the accent and in this role, his thoughtful acting, which he brings to all of his roles, is very important during a scene in the early stages before Steve Rogers becomes Captain America. Dominic Cooper, who must be a rather big star in the UK, adds a solid performance as Tony Stark, “the Marvel Comics Godfather of weaponry”. Tommy Lee Jones (Who I almost forgot, but based on his performance in this one, shouldn’t have) stands out as, Colonel Chester Phillips, a brazen, “take no sh*t” tough guy.
I haven’t seen Green Lantern, and I don’t plan to see it anytime soon, with as bad of reviews as it got, but I’d definitely put this movie above that and somewhere below Thor (Just slightly). But, it’s a worthwhile summer blockbuster, that if can be avoided, should be seen two dimensionally.
