Here’s the thing about Chris Evans, it turns out he can act! And not like, “act”, like he’s typically cast as the macho hot guy, but actually act! Like, with emotions and stuff.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER tells the story of Steve Rogers (Evans), a frail and feeble American who gets rejected from army recruitment to fight against the Nazi’s in WW2. He then volunteers for the government’s secret military operation, Project: Rebirth, where he is transformed into a super soldier and deemed Captain America. Now, his mission is to fight Red Skull, Hitler’s leading weapon man who’s also using supernatural powers to take over the world.
Superhero comic book fans already have their ticket, but here’s why CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER is actually appealing everyone. First, Director Joe Johnston has a swimmingly impressive resume. He’s previously directed JUMANJI and the live action sequences in THE PAGEMASTER, as well as working as visual effects/ art director on RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE, EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RETURN OF THE JEDI. So yes, it looks fantastic.
While we typically don’t warm up well to the “average guy who suddenly has something and becomes a superhero” plotline, the story actually has elements that make it great. First, he’s not just some average slacker Joe blow like the GREEN LANTERN, nor is he a genius billionaire like IRON MAN. He’s actually a malnourished resident of Brooklyn who grew up during the depression and developed a genuine love for freedom. Also, we thought the “All American” aspect would make us gag, but the writers formed it in a way that didn’t seem too cheesy and patriotic, rather it was very authentic.
We didn’t think anything could beat out frontrunner THOR in awesome superhero flicks, and CAPTAIN AMERICA still doesn’t… but it’s a close second (real close). It’s all making us incredibly excited for the upcoming AVENGERS film.