Taking us back to 1942, Captain America introduces us to Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) as he steals the jewel of Odin’s treasure room. Clearly this is bad news for the inhabitants of earth. Cut to our peony hero Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) as he makes yet another attempt to enlist in the American army.
Spotted by Dr. Erskine during his fifth attempt to enlist, Steve is soon being injected with serum and exposed to vita-rays. The effects involved in making Chris Evans so teeny tiny is utterly convincing and only further emphasises his muscle clad (and slightly taller) Captain America body. But the Nazis turn up to steal the potion, unaware of the necessity for vita-rays, and ruin everything.
Unable to assign him a place in the army Colonel Philips (Tommy Lee Jones) has Captain America shaking babies and kissing hands, raising money selling bonds for the army. Until one day he has to fight, Raiders of The Lost Ark vs Inglourious Basterds style, with the help of Howard Stark, love interest Peggy Carter and a hand picked group of soldiers.
It may not hit the mark for hard core Marvel fans, but as an origins film it’s pretty good. It’s definitely better than Green Lantern, although not quite as good as Thor. Marvel are working hard at building The Avengers film franchise at the moment and Captain America is the perfect introduction to the future leader of S.H.I.E.L.D and will hopefully pave the way nicely for The Avengers next year.
Captain America is in cinemas nationwide on 29 July.
