Captain America: The First Avenger

 Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Directed by John Johnston

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Plot: It's 1941 and World War II is in full effect. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) wants to do his part as an American soldier, but he is rejected due to his small stature. After many efforts trying to prove himself, he gets an opportunity to be apart of an experimental program that will turn him into a super-soldier. The experiment turns out to be a major success, giving Steve worldwide fame as the hero called "Captain America." But he must not forget the main problem at hand, and that is fighting against the Nazi-backed HYDRA organization. 

Characters: I am going to keep the focus on Steve as the movie is strictly about him and his origin story. Steve starts out as a scrawny, weak, yet determined young man that will not give up his goal in fighting for the United States. He is constantly battling against his physical limitations, but his inner qualities and desire to contribute outweigh these limitations. When he is selected for the experimental program, he is faced with a massive external transformation but remains true to his nature and what he believes in. Becoming "Captain America" had it downsides, however, as Steve struggled with being treated as a propaganda tool rather than a real soldier, people were failing to take him seriously. This made Steve eager to show to others who he is. He put himself to the test, and rescued a group of soldiers being held hostage at a HYDRA base, furthermore proving his true capabilities. Throughout the film, Steve begins to come full circle, and finally showed the world what exactly he is capable of and how being a "hero" means that sometimes you are forced to make a sacrifice. The act of self-sacrifice that Steve performs concludes his character arc, going from the weak, insignificant individual to a hero giving up everything for the greater good. 

Cinematography: I think a good way to sum up the cinematography in this film would be to call it patriotic. There is only a select few movies that make me feel proud to be an American, and this is one of them. There is quite a bit of world-building in this film since we are being introduced to Steve Rogers for the first time, and must acknowledge his origin story to fully understand his contribution to Marvel and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film immerses the audience in the mid-20th century, attempting to create an authentic atmosphere considering the time period. However, shots of HYDRA's futuristic tech compared to the old school military aesthetic really emphasizes the contrast between the "old" and the "new." I think the action sequences are the most notable of the film, as they convey the intensity and urgency of the situations Steve finds himself in, along with his strength and agility, allowing the audience to fully appreciate his physicality. Colors are important too, as the classic red, white, and blue colors that Steve wears stands out against the muted colors around him, making him a symbol of patriotism and strength. This film also pays respect to what cinema was like during WWII, with shots appearing like posters or vintage propaganda: Steve standing tall with his shield held proudly as he rises above enemies, illuminating his heroic persona. 

Score: "Captain America's Theme" is looked at as triumphant and bold. It is an orchestral melody that stresses Steve's journey from an underdog to a hero. The score incorporates classic wartime music, which is a direct reflection of the 1940's setting, and evoke the time period's spirit of unity and courage. It also shifts in tone during monumental moments, such as moments of struggle or vulnerability, further emphasizing the gravity of the journey that Steve is on and the emotional stakes that have come with it. 

Underlying themes: Some of the most prominent underlying themes in Captain America: The First Avenger are those of teamwork and identity. Steve is supported by various characters who help him to reach his goals, such as Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), these relationships are key to his development as a character, demonstrating loyalty and friendship. The theme of teamwork puts weight on working together to achieve a common goal, which helps to set up the foundation of the Avengers in later MCU films. Steve wrestles with his identity throughout the film, as he is confronted with questions like how much of his past remains and how much of his new identity is shaped by the shield and uniform. Early on in the film, when Steve is used as propaganda, he struggles with the superficiality of the war effort's portrayal of him. By the end of the film, he embraces the symbol, accepting it as a sign of hope and courage. 

Final thoughts: I LOVED this movie! I have never seen the Marvel movies before, so my roommate decided that we need to begin our binge of the timeline, and this film is the first one in the timeline. I found Marvel's casting of Chris Evans to be perfect for Captain America, as I truly cannot see any other actor fulfilling this role the way that he does. The plot of this film was great from start to finish, and the ending left me wanting more and more. Like I said in the cinematography portion of my blog, this movie made me feel incredibly patriotic. I think it is so cool to have a made-up character be rooted in American history, and therefore be symbolic of bravery and inspiration to kids of all ages. The phrase "The First Avenger" is in the title for a reason, and Steve Roger's story is very telling to how he later on plays a pivotal role in the Avengers. I very strongly recommend this film to anyone who hasn't seen it, but I think I am in the minority when I say that because who hasn't seen this movie?! (Besides me until now😅)