Broken Frontier

Well true believers, here's what you need to know about Captain America The First Avenger: They get it right. Not all of it, but everything Cap feels great. Take your non comic book fan's hand. Tell them a bit about who Cap is and what he means to you. You'll both enjoy the humour and action, but Captain America: The First Avenger seems uniquely rewarding to comic book fans.

Walking in I thought I had a good idea of who Cap was, but director Joe Johnston's visual nods to the character's origins reminded me that, first and foremost, Captain America is a symbol. It seems hard to forget considering Cap literally wears stars and stripes. But I'd forgotten the first Captain America comic came out in 1941 before the Americans entered World War II. Cap was shown fighting Hitler on the cover of that first issue. During the war (and eight years after it ended) Captain America was a popular comic book and a symbol for freedom.

The man who wears the Captain America uniform is Steve Rogers. Rogers's mantra is simple: stand up for what you believe in, no matter the odds or the consequences. I first read about him in the Infinity Gauntlet comic series where he stood in front of an omnipotent enemy and said, "As long as one man stands against you, you'll never be able to claim victory." Bold, considering Cap has nearly no super powers (just a little super strength). Cap doesn't need strength though, just the ability to stand.

The movie is faithful to that Cap. When Captain America begins Rogers (Chris Evans) is as skinny and short as they come. His body is physically weak; burdened with asthma among other things. More than anything Rogers wants to serve his country in World War II. "I don't like bullies [Nazi Germany]" he says. "I don't care where they come from." Even though Rogers is physically ineligible to enlist, he tries five times. Recognizing Rogers's internal strength a scientist Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) picks Rogers to be the first to receive his super soldier serum.

When the government finds they can only make one super soldier they consider the experiment a failure. Nevertheles, Rogers is branded as a public hero called Captain America who performs in USO shows to sell more war bonds. He even has his own comic books. But he is not a soldier. Gradually, he becomes one when he finds a bully he cannot ignore; Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving). Schmidt is a high ranking Nazi officer and an enthusiast for both ancient power and global domination.

Chris Evans makes a terrific Captain America, but he's amplified by the performances of the Doctor (Tucci) and his love interest Peggy (Hayley Atwell). Evans wisely resists the urge to play Cap loud and sticks with modest. It seems silly to say that Tucci elevates Rogers's modesty by pointing at his heart and calling him a "good man," but Tucci's gift as an actor is generosity. Rarely in a starring role Tucci is familiar with that old sports adage "A team works best when each player knows and accepts their role." Atwell mimics Evans's quiet passion. Unlike other superhero films their attraction is in how they act, not what they say.

As Captain America progresses aspects of the film become uneven. When we meet Hugo Weaving there's a quirkiness to his accent and mannerisms, but we never see that again. The action sequences with Cap's shield have a wonderful physicality and satisfaction in the CLANG as the shield hits an enemy's body. But Cap makes a lot of ridiculously long jumps. Way more than one. And each feels alien and distant. Dum Dum Dugan (Neal McDonough) and co. are also there, but we don't have time for their personalities.

I felt a palpable lull in the audience the longer the movie went on. The climax in particular feels abrupt, as if to say, "Oh. Now? I guess it is about that time." That USO sequence in particular might not sit right with audiences. I know the film's creators did it largely to show that original Captain America suit, but it occurs right after we first see Captain America use his powers for the first time. Still, I admire the restraint of screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. By placing Rogers as a "showgirl" they make him work for his reputation as a hero. It reminds us that heroism is something you earn; it is not given with a serum.

Heroism is what director Joe Johnston never lets us forget. There's a scene where a little boy and his friends run into the street. One boy carries a trash can lid with Captain America's shield design painted on it. He and his friends run forward in the frame. We understand this is how Johnston approaches the film; with a respect for what's important, but not forgetting to have fun. All the while, Alan Silvestri's theme pounds on heroic notes with trumpets.

Of a fallen soldier Peggy asks, "Did you believe in him? Did you respect him?" The character of Captain America is so tall. Not in stature - in meaning. Before the film I was so worried about Chris Evans. "Is he tall enough? Will the high noon sun glean off his raised shield as a symbol for America?" Maybe for Cap those are the wrong questions. After all, any good Cap story is about being a man first and a legend second. As I left the theatre I knew: I believed in Chris Evans as Steve Rogers. And I respected him as Captain America.