Those of you concerned that this movie might flop, rest assured- far from it. I was blown away completely. Johnston did a phenomenal job keeping the the film moving. It never felt as rushed as Thor. Clocking in at 125 minutes, I still wanted a little more, but that's only because it was so great.
Evans proved, without a doubt, why he got the part. Those worried that Chris's performance would be cursed with the Ryan Reynolds effect will be pleased to know that his natural charm was never used in a comical way. Johnston let that charm remain subtle enough to keep the character likeable and never arrogant. Chris Evans IS Steve Rogers.
I read a review saying that Hugo Weaving owned the screen as the Red Skull but I must disagree. Weaving was amazing and he certainly did embody the villain very well but he never outshined Evans. I'm glad that he didn't. With the Dark Knight, Ledger's Joker left a lot to be desired from Bale's Wayne/Batman (at least for me it did). Visually, Red Skull was perfect. I loved the long leather coat and even through the heavy prosthetics, Weaving managed to capture Schmitt's fascination with Captain America.
As I mentioned, the pacing was just right. The action sequences left nothing to be desired. Evans, Atwell, Jones, Weaving, Tucci, Cooper- all actors were at the top of their game in this film. I'm sure they were all genuinely stoked to be a part of this film. I saw CA:TFA in 3-D and I must say that despite it being post production 3-D conversion, Cap's shield made me flinch a few times. I didn't pay extra for the 3-D so maybe that is some of the reason why I didn't feel at all disappointed with it.
All in all, I believe this was the best CBM of the summer. I would go as far as to put The First Avenger up with Iron Man as Marvel Studios' cream of the crop. I'm honestly surprised by all the negative reviews on RottenTomatoes.com. As a movie fan, I thoroughly enjoyed it; As a Captain America fan, I left completely satisfied and smiling like a 9 year old. It never takes itself too seriously and Johnston leaves the more humorous lines to the more seemingly serious characters like Colonel Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones). I highly recommend paying for this movie and supporting Marvel Studios' future film endeavors.
This is my first article on comicbookmovie.com so let me know what you think :D
***************SPOILER WARNING!!!!!!!!***************************
***************LAST CHANCE!********************
This was THE action movie of the summer so far. Car chases, motorcycle chases, even a aerial dogfight! I recall reading that the final fight scene between Red Skull and Cap left something to be desired, but I wholeheartedly disagree. It genuinely felt like two super soldier serum infused enemies duking it out. No cheesy "I punch you, you punch me" type action- just straight up brawling. At one point the plane begins rapidly descending and Johnston treats us with an Inception style fist fight.
Anyone complaining about how fake and over the top Cap's strength seemed in the trailer, rest assured; That particular scene fits perfectly within the context of the film. It is right after Bucky "dies" and Captain America vowes to "kill or capture all of them (Hydra)". The action sequences prior to that particular one do not seem over the top at all.
Hayley Atwell is just gorgeous as Peggy Carter. Her romance with Steve felt so genuine and I was almost brought to tears as he says his goodbye to her while seemingly taking his own life in a last attempt to foil Red SKull's plans. The emotion is never lost throughout the film.
Also, I read that The Human Torch makes an appearance but I never saw him. I never left my seat or turned away, so if it was there, it must have been VERY brief.
Sadly......... the after credits Avengers trailer did not follow my particular screening of Captain America!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I sat there until everyone left but to no avail....... :(