Captain America (Movie Review)

As a rejected military soldier with a debilitating case of asthma, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) wants only to serve his country in the fight against Nazi Germany. He is given the chance to do just that when he is chosen for a serum experiment conducted by Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci). The formula turns him into a brawny hero known as Captain America.

The Russo Brothers’ take on the hero combines classic science-fiction adventure with war film elements (including one of the more gruesome deaths in a comic book movie) to create a film that is at once visually stunning and emotionally powerful. Evans is terrific as Cap, muting his signature swagger and instead conveying a naive, earnest vulnerability. He manages to make the transformation from scrawny loser to patriotic icon feel completely believable.

His relationship with the sexy but serious Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and the high-flying Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie) is a perfect example of the chemistry between these two Marvel leads, and the directors nail the balance between their individual strengths. They also make the most of Captain America’s comparatively grounded superhuman abilities, crafting some gripping action scenes and adding an interesting dimension with his ricocheting shield.

Hayley Atwell is a delightful Peggy Carter, the best female character in the MCU at that point (and the star of a short-lived spin-off show). Her utter adoration for Chris’ physique when he emerges from his armor and her reaction to him in modern times are among the film’s most swoon-worthy moments.