It’s interesting to note shifts in tone for each MCU film when you watch them over a short period of time. Thor introduced a world beyond our own with Asgard and moved away from the real-world setting. The fifth entry stays on Earth but drastically shifts the time period. Captain America: The First Avenger is a throwback adventure that introduces a hero way back during World War II. This setting and the style from Director Joe Johnston connect perfectly to the genuine lead character.
Chris Evans’ performance as Steve Rogers is the perfect counterpoint to Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark. He’s a patriotic guy who wants to serve his country but isn’t afraid to subvert orders and do the right thing. The MCU will explore this conflict further in Captain America: Civil War, but we’re a long way from there. First, let’s meet Rogers before he becomes Captain America. Digital effects make Evans look extremely small, but the spirit exists. Despite the technical wizardry, it never feels like a cheap gimmick. We can see the makings of a hero even as he loses fights to bullies.
What makes this film more than a glossy fantasy is the way it undercuts the hero myth. After receiving his powers through the Super Soldier Serum from Dr. Erskine (Stanley Tucci), Rogers doesn’t immediately start fighting bad guys. Instead, he’s used as a PR tool by the military and “punches Hitler” to sell war bonds. The ultimate destination for Captain America also makes his victories feel a bit hollow. The film’s opening scene of scientists uncovering a frozen aircraft hints at where his journey is heading. The Avengers is also coming soon, so we need a way to bring Rogers to our present. There is a lot happening, but it mostly feels effortless.
Hail Hydra!
Captain America: The First Avenger introduces a familiar antagonist for comic-book fans. HYDRA arose during World War II through Johann Schmidt, aka the Red Skull. They worked as part of Hitler’s deep science division but had their own goals. I appreciate a good conspiracy story, and HYDRA becomes a key force in what happens in the MCU films. Hugo Weaving is the right guy to play an early leader of this nefarious group.
I had watched this movie several times but never realized until now that the early scene in Tønsberg, Norway connects to Thor. Along with being the location for the Tesseract here, it was also the site for the fight between the Frost Giants and Asgardians in 965 A.D. I love spotting these references between the movies, which is easier on a quick rewatch. The best examples work because they aren’t necessary to enjoy a specific film. They expand the story and aren’t required to understand what’s happening now.
Another surprise was the 1943 World Exposition of Tomorrow, which is referenced during Iron Man 2. The fun sequence introduces a younger Howard Stark failing with a flying car inside the “World of Tomorrow”. I love the look of this scene, which recalls the real 1939 World’s Fair in New York. It introduces Dr. Erskine and puts Rogers on the path to becoming Captain America. But it also just provides a fun setting with optimism for the future. Don’t miss a quick appearance from Jenna Coleman (Clara from Doctor Who) as a girl meeting Rogers and Barnes.
I Can Do This All Day
Johnston was the perfect choice to direct this type of movie; films like The Rocketeer and October Sky show the warmth in his work. We’re on board with Rogers while he struggles to get through boot camp as a diminutive guy. Even after he becomes a super soldier, his genuine nature remains intact. There’s a reason that he stands out to Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) from the start. She has faith even when the situation looks grim against HYDRA’s forces.
What makes Johnston’s style work is having the right cast, and everyone strikes the right note. Tommy Lee Jones is charming as the skeptical yet genuine Colonel Phillips. Toby Jones works as the brilliant enemy scientist Dr. Zola, and Dominic Cooper brings grace to the suave Howard Stark. Hayley Atwell makes Carter one of the top characters in the MCU thus far. There’s a reason that she received her own show on ABC. It kills me that Agent Carter only lasted two seasons; it’s definitely worth watching if you haven’t seen it. Atwell is a lot more than the typical romantic lead and plays an important role in the main battle.
There’s a real sense of fun to Rogers’ hero journey; the two hours fly by! The action scenes in the third act feel grounded and avoid the obvious CGI. The visual effects create the backgrounds, but the fights usually involve small groups and hand-to-hand combat. This keeps the battles from feeling distant, so we’re engaged in what’s happening. The first chase involves Rogers running down a car like The Terminator and executing massive jumps. He uses a car door as a shield and pursues the enemy without any weapons. Few extra frills are needed for this guy.
Wonderfully Retro
Captain America: The First Avenger has masterful art direction that depicts a period setting without obvious tropes. The mix of HYDRA’s advanced technology with ‘40s style creates a surprising look. The train fight includes hand-to-hand combat straight out of classic action movies while also using weapons far beyond the era. Another example is the Red Skull, who looks like a villain from a classic newspaper comic strip. As played by Hugo Weaving, he also seems comfortable as a modern film villain. This mix sells the movie for me.
There’s a big risk at turning good-guy Captain America into a cornball character, but that never occurs. Rogers starts out as an idealist, but that excitement is undercut by the way the military uses him. The cynical undercurrent to government and leaders in this story is expanded on for the sequels. When he steps up to save his fellow soldiers, it shows how Rogers will ignore orders and do the right thing.
The MCU’s fifth movie tells a complete story on its own while opening the door to future stories. Barnes appears to die, but comic book fans will understand his role in the larger story. A quick shot of him in a chair for Zola’s experiments gives a hint of what’s to come. The Tesseract is ultimately found by Howard Stark and becomes part of Thanos’ plans. There’s enough here to spawn many future films, but it never feels awkward. Captain America: The First Avenger is the high point thus far of my rewatch, and we’re just getting started.
Avengers Assemble!
I love the paranoia of the final scene with Rogers waking up in a fake ’40s room. It would have been cool to see Scarlett Johansson in this scene, though the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent looks very similar. The big reveal of Times Square and Nick Fury feels strange to the audience compared to the rest of the movie. We’re right there with Rogers in feeling lost in this modern era.
His final line of “I had a date” ends the upbeat movie on a hollow note. We’re excited to see Captain America in the present with the other heroes, but it reminds us of what Rogers has lost. He’s ready to battle new enemies for his country, but missing his dance (and 70 years) is a gut punch. Despite the somber finale, I’m ready to take the next steps in The Avengers.
The post-credits scene is a letdown, however. We see Rogers taking out his frustrations on a punching bag. Fury enters the picture and tells Captain America it’s time to save the world. This quick scene introduces a trailer for The Avengers, which excited audiences in 2011. Seen today, I’d rather have a better set-up than the chat between Rogers and Fury. Regardless, we’re all set to stare down invaders with a team of superheroes!
Favorites
Captain America: The First Avenger is the most consistent movie thus far, so it’s a little trickier to choose the best moments. I loved the scenes from the 1943 exposition, the performance montage, and the final reveal of Rogers in Times Square. The story works because we’re totally on board with Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell. That focus on character goes beyond the leads and into the supporting cast. There’s too much to put in a single list.
- Scene(s): “I’m gonna need a rain check on that dance.“
- Character: Peggy Carter (one of the great MCU characters so far)
- Shot: Captain America puts on a show as a military PR symbol.
- Action Scene: Captain America uses all his skills, including the Shield, to infiltrate the Red Skull’s base on his own.
- Surprise: It’s a rare origin story that doesn’t hit all the normal beats.
Rankings
We have a new leader in the clubhouse! After rewatching Iron Man, I knew it would take a lot to dethrone it from the top of my rankings. I’ve tried to keep an open mind but did not expect the switch to happen now. It will be interesting to see how this list changes with The Avengers coming soon.
The Movies
1. Captain America: The First Avenger
2. Iron Man
3. Thor
4. The Incredible Hulk
5. Iron Man 2
Lead Characters
1. Steve Rogers/Captain America
2. Tony Stark/Iron Man
3. Thor
4. Bruce Banner/The Hulk
Villains
1. Loki (Thor)
2. Red Skull (Captain America: The First Avenger)
3. General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (The Incredible Hulk)
4. Ivan Vanko (Iron Man 2)
5. Obediah Stane (Iron Man)
6. Justin Hammer (Iron Man 2)
7. Emil Blonsky/The Abomination (The Incredible Hulk)
Key Supporting Characters (Not Villains)
1. Peggy Carter (Captain America: The First Avenger)
2. Nick Fury (Iron Man 2)
3. Natasha Romanoff (Iron Man 2)
4. Jane Foster (Thor)
5. Pepper Potts (Iron Man, Iron Man 2)
6. Agent Coulson (Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor)
7. Colonel Chester Phillips (Captain America: The First Avenger)
8. Howard Stark (Iron Man 2, Captain America: The First Avenger)
9. James “Bucky” Barnes (Captain America: The First Avenger)
10. Odin (Thor)
11. Clint Barton (Thor)
12. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Iron Man, Iron Man 2)
13. Betty Ross (The Incredible Hulk)
Stan Lee Appearances
1. Playing Larry King (Iron Man 2)
2. Wearing a bathrobe as “Heff” at a party (Iron Man)
3. Driving a pick-up truck to grab Thor’s hammer (Thor)
4. A general watching an award ceremony (Captain America: The First Avenger)
5. Drinking contaminated soda (The Incredible Hulk)
Post-Credit Scenes
1. Loki survives and controls Dr. Selvig (Thor)
2. Nick Fury introduces himself and The Avengers Initiative (Iron Man)
3. Coulson arrives in New Mexico for the discovery of Thor’s hammer (Iron Man 2)
4. Tony Stark meets Ross in a bar and tells him about the team (The Incredible Hulk)
5. Nick Fury calls upon Captain America, and we see a preview of The Avengers (Captain America: The First Avenger)
Next Time on Friday Night Movies
Our next stop on this MCU rewatch is the culmination of everything we’ve experienced in Phase One. The Avengers must battle to save Earth from an invading force. Next up with Disney animation is The Reluctant Dragon; let’s take a trip to a happy version of the Disney Studios!
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Related Articles: Captain America
Iron Man (MCU Rewatch #1)
The Incredible Hulk (MCU Rewatch #2)
Iron Man 2 (MCU Rewatch #3)
Thor (MCU Rewatch #4)
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