Writer: Syahida Kamarudin

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Watch this if you liked: “Spiderman”, “Iron Man”, “The Green Lantern”

If there is one thing that Joe Johnston did right about this movie, it is by poking fun at the 1940s version of the comic by making this movie's Captain America don striking colours of the Star Spangled Banner costume and shield, making him the government mascot when the army is not in need of his service. But don't worry, the movie does not use the 1940s costume all the way to the finish line. The new official costume is less conspicuous yet still corny. Then again, how else can you modify an Uncle Sam superhero get-up?

It is true, any superhero movie that represents the zero-to-hero plot will always attract the audience, i.e. "Spiderman" (2002)" and "X-Men: First Class" (2011). This movie is no exception. The transformation of Steve Rogers from a puny guy to a superhero hunk may remind you of "X-Men Origin: Wolverine" (2009) and Sam Raimi's "Spiderman", and the movie has the usual aura of any Marvel comic-to-film adaptation - especially Jon Favreau's "Iron Man".

There are several weaknesses in this movie. Firstly, there are times that the stunt choreography looks overdone (that it reminds you of the "Charlie's Angels" movies). Some German character sounds German while the other couldn't care less about making an effort to sound like one. And thirdly, although Stanley Tucci said yes to this movie because he wanted to try on German accent, it will be a fun game to count how many times he sounded Russian instead. The fight scenes are a little mundane and old-fashioned to the modern taste especially since other superheroes use martial arts now (for example, Christopher Nolan's "Batman").

Chris Evans seems comfortable in his role as Steve/Captain America due to his all-American look and his experience from another superhero movie. Tommy Lee Jones serves the purpose as the comic relief with his one-liner no-nonsense attitude. Hugo Weaving without the Red Skull mask is easily forgotten and audience might be too excited to see Howard Stark (Iron Man's rich daddy) that nobody will realise that he is actually played by Dominic Cooper.

In short, "Captain America: The First Avenger" is fun and enjoyable, but its ability to grab audience attention all the way is as weak as "The Green Lantern" (2011). Do wait until the end of the credit for something that may excite you. Hint: It has something to do with Samuel L.Jackson.


Cinema Online, 22 July 2011