The next instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was another instant success. A wartime escapade supplemented with a Hitler-esque threat ready to enact terror on a god-like level.

Plot

An inferior human with an extraordinary magnitude of courage, dexterity, and determination cuts a desperate figure to join his brothers in arms as they attempt to fend back German forces in the midst of World War Two.

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is willing to go to great lengths to join the US military, but he is repeatedly rejected because of his frail appearance.

In the meantime, the German protagonist, Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving), scours Europe for a power source that can elevate the devastation of his army and weaponry to unforeseen levels — this is how he comes to wield a particular item named ‘The Tesseract’.

After finally being granted permission to join a US military training camp, Rogers underwhelming physical attributes are bared for all to see; however, his unwavering mentality and plucky courage make him the prime candidate to be injected with super soldier serum that alters his entire destiny.

In this moment, Captain America is born. Despite his budding relationship with love interest Peggy Carter (Hailey Atwell), The First Avenger is restricted to a role as America’s show pony for investors around the country. This is all while Johann Schmidt’s plan to take over Europe at the expense of Adolf Hitler continues to take shape.

After it is revealed that his lifelong friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) is missing behind enemy lines, Rogers takes it upon himself to launch a full-scale rescue mission. After rescuing Bucky and coming face-to-face with Schmidt (AKA Red Skull) for the first time, Captain America’s role changes forever as he becomes the leading light in the US Army’s fight against evil.

Near-perfect story does Captain America justice

From humble beginnings to a heroic end, Captain America’s story not only defines his character beautifully but also creates a perfect foundation for future success in the franchise.

Steve Rogers’ life is more than about being a super soldier who can defeat the strongest of foes; he stands as an icon who provides hope in the darkest times. A never-say-die attitude with enhanced intelligence, strength, and an innate goodness that prevents him from ever faltering from what is right.

Screenwriting duo Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely created a script that merged moments of physical weakness with unbreakable mental fortitude. They also managed to showcase the gentlemanly morals of particular men from a time when the identity of courtship was far different from the modern day.

Rogers and Peggy Carter’s love story is one that not only defines Cap’s character, but will play a summing role in the future of the MCU and later decisions that he will make. Building their chemistry and relationship was critical in the one movie they would have together, and it was executed perfectly.

Replication of a darker time worked to perfection

Markus and McFeely’s ability to replicate the feel of the Nazi’s reign over Germany was integral to this story. Hydra – an offshoot of Hitler’s Führer – appeared as deadly as a group that plagued Europe with some of history’s most catastrophic moments.

The dark uniforms, an unforgiving mentality, accompanied by personal vendettas and a thirst for power, Hydra exhibited the traits of a corrupt organisation that would do anything in its power to achieve its goal of world domination.

If this had not implemented correctly, this story could not have worked. No viewer is interested in a super soldier with the physical attributes to defeat enemies with ease if the consequences of the antagonist do not lead to something darker and relatable.

Fantastic casting was the icing on the cake

Hindsight is a beautiful thing; nevertheless, few actors could pull off the scrawny physique of a wannabe soldier, while also becoming the epitome of the perfect male specimen moments later.

Chris Evans was made for this role. Despite previous roles as Johnny Storm, displaying that he has the acting range to be a seductive Playboy, Captain America is easily his best work. This performance is one bursting with integrity, charisma, and emotion that an audience can sympathise with.

Hailey Atwell portrays an outstanding version of Peggy Carter. This character needs a strong, independent woman where the performance and dialogue do not feel forced, and dare I say it, corny. Everything about this character feels right, and it allows the relationship with Chris Evans to feel geniune.

As for Hugo Weaving as Red Skull, this was another brilliant performance. Again, at times, European antagonists are illustrated with unbearable stereotypes, who lack intimidation or innovation. Weaving’s sinister showing was identifiable with one of the Führers.

Rating: 8/10

From writing to casting, this production of Captain America: The First Avenger was an impressive continuation into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

It created a framework behind a complex character who is more than a super soldier. Steve Rogers had a life where he was not the physical specimen he is today; it displayed a vulnerability that allows the audience to relate to the character.

There are moments in the movie that prevent it from being classed as ‘perfect’. There was a lack of jeopardy that prevented any kind of rise in the heart rate. The audience never feared for the safety of any of the major characters, except for one Bucky Barnes.

Captain America is almost unstoppable, and there were no scenes in this movie where his life felt at risk. If anything, the character continually walked out of the most dangerous of situations unscathed, with a few minor scratches, as if he had taken part in a charity boxing event.

However, it cannot be denied that this was another classic by the team at Marvel.