When I left Captain America today I felt like I had seen a good movie. Similar to, but not as deep as my feelings right after Batman Begins.
Before I go any further, I would just like to commend Marvel/Disney for finally writing a love interest (i.e. woman) into the film that was 1. a person and 2. had a personality. Agent Carter was amazing and Hayley Atwell was wonderful in the role. She did not feel like someone stuck in the film to attract female moviegoers with a half ass love story (looking at you Thor). I would, however, like to ask what Marvel has against our heroes getting the girl in the end LOL. Clearly heroes are made for the solo life, but man, let me tell.... you I didn't cry once during Harry Potter, and I found myself sniffling all through the "Valkaryie goodbye scene". Tangent: Valkyrie was a interesting name for that plane, bc in Norse, it refers to the women who chose which warriors die in battle. Ok, sorry, Back to Cap.
My next comment is that I LOVED the 40s styling they gave the whole movie. I watch a lot of classic films from the 40s, and they are CHEESY. Capt America and most comics in general can be a little cheesy. This movie was excellent at holding that hokey/nostalgia feeling, without making it dumb. The costuming was brilliant too. If Anna Shepard is not up for an Oscar this year, someone wasn't paying attention. Fun side note, she did the costume work for Shindler's List and Inglourious Bastards. I guess she knows what she is about when it comes to that time.
This movie opens with poor, insignificant Steve Rogers. The movie did a great job of showing who he was, and getting us all to understand his motivation, and frankly, fall in love with him before any of the action began. There were many great moments in these opening scenes, including our introduction to Howard Stark. All of the characters that we met during this portion of the movie were acted so well. Kudos to Tommy Lee Jones and Stanley Tucci. I think many people will say Jones "stole the show", truly, he is the best part of the MIB movies IMO, so I was not surprised. His comedic timing is perfection, as always.
We move into the part of the movie where Steve Rogers becomes Captain America. I really enjoyed how they introduced us to his new capabilities with the extended chase scene through New York. That was entertaining and moved the plot forward at the same time. After a few false starts, and more comedy, Capt America moves into the role we have been waiting for, and it was so well done. Bad ass perhaps? The introduction of the Howling Commandos was perfect. We didn't get to see much of them, but what we did see was very enjoyable. Side Note: The moment I saw Neal McDonough as Tim Dugan I was very amused. His appearance was quite changed for this film. (he was my darling boy from Boomtown, one of the most tragic cancellations in Primetime TV)
Hugo Weaving, as the Red Skull gave a great performance. I mean what can I say about it. He hit the note just right ~an evil, dastardly comic book villain. I was amused slightly by my passing fancy of him popping up in Asgard after his "demise", since he claimed the Cosmic Cube was from Odin's treasure room...well, anyway, the thought was there and made me giggle. The only dang person who giggled in the theatre when he evaporated. Oh well, that happens to me alot.
I also found the end of this movie satisfied the Captain America story AND provided a segway into the Avengers perfectly. I felt like I got a full story for Captain America, and not just a prequel to the Avengers. Him waking up and finding himself in modern day New York was...clever. And Nick Fury (Sammy J) popping up got a HUGE response from the crowd, not sure why? Maybe they were expecting the Agent Coulson, the SHIELD agent from the other films.
Lately, we have been treated to a certain kind of Superhero - Moody/Brooding ie Batman, Hulk and clearly the new Spiderman LOL, Or Arrogant a la Iron Man, Thor and Green Lantern...but I felt like this was the first time in a while we have had a humble, honest genuinely good superhero that wasn't all messed up with internal demons.... which was.....different. Maybe this will help get more backing for our upcoming Superman saga.
After the film ended, I waited through the 5 hours of credits for the Avengers trailer. It was great. I am going to be VERY interested in seeing how Joss Whedon handles the ensemble cast. So many big personalities in one film. I want to see how he keeps from being annoying :) I also can't wait to see how the hell Thor made it back to Earth.
Over my thoughts are that I really enjoyed this movie. This goes up there with Batman Begins and Iron Man 1 for me.
For my comic friends, I would have liked to see some sort of cameo featuring the Black Widow during Cap, since she is going to be in Avengers, and knew Captain America (and Wolverine) in the 1940s. Yes, she's in the Avengers. Looks like I'm stuck with the blank stares/dead eyes of ScarJo for another movie. Yay. And speaking of Black Widow, I wonder if Marvel/Disney has really "finished" Bucky, or if we see him pop up again at some point.
If you lasted this long, wow! THanks!! XD. If you just scrolled down to see me posed with the movie sign you are in luck. Here is me and Cap.
I bought this dress at Ross for $25 and my shoes are the Lucky Brand/Vince Camuto which I bought during 75% off clearance for $27. XD
I remembered the following about Captain America going into the movie: His name was Steve Rogers, He had his lame ass costume, his shield, motor cycle and he had a rockin bod.
ReplyDeleteI feel like this movie did an EXCELLENT job at giving back story on a comic book character whom I have fleeting memories. It was enjoyable, maintained the spirit of the 40s era. And I think provided the BEST lead in to the upcoming Avengers film.
Even though I saw the leaked Avengers trailer before last night. I STILL got chills when he busted open that body bag.
You look soooooooooo awesome, Bianca! I practically wear a Sn**gie to the theatre, so I'm impressed. Movie theatre, not theatre-theatre. ;)
ReplyDeleteDidn't read the post juuuust in case I go to the movie. Thanks for the alert.
Crafty, this movie was so fun! Good to hear you liked it too! :D They have done a real good job of building excitement for Avengers.
ReplyDeleteGigi i used to need winter wear for the movies too, but these theatres out here don't seem to follow the cold room precedent set by movie theatres everywhere else in the world lol. And thanks!
Bianca, you look so stunning in this dress! Major va va voom!
ReplyDeleteYes - and, of course, I only did it to see you posing in the outfit ;-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with your assessment of the movie. They did an excellent job of introducing Steve Rogers to you, in the same way that they introduced Tony Stark to you. For those that have never read Captain America, he truly is that cheesy; however, he isn't a caricature because he honestly believes it in the core of his being...and you become sold because he is sold. And, I was sold!
You're also spot on with your Hayley Atwell - maybe it was the accent, but she was mighty nice! The Howling Commandos were great, and Tim Dugsn was perfect. It was worth the wait - as was your outfit...