As a huge DC fan, I can't help but develop, in my own head, a deadly rivalry between these two iconic names. Little do people know, DC created it all and from those roots, everything else spawned, including Marvel which has undoubtedly proven itself and is worthy to stand beside the creator of all that is "super".
Founded in 1939, it had a tough job staying in business as the war in Europe raged and the US possible involvement dangled in the air. But, through it all, they launched The Human Torch and the rest is history. It later went on to create some of the most iconic superheroes of all times: Spiderman, Iron Man, Hulk, The Fantastic Four, X-Men and perhaps most recognizable of all Captain America.
As the production for the Ultimate Avengers movie is in full swing, the last piece of the puzzle was the Captain America film. And, although I thought that it would be a substandard one, it wasn't. It managed to escape the feeling of a small appetizer before the main course.
Now, the first thing I notice and stand in awe for is the cast. Chris Evans as Steve Rogers is spot on! I absolutely can't see anyone else in the role. Indeed, I always thought of him more as a comedic character, but he really bulked up, got some determination and performed his role perfectly. The utterly amazing Hugo Weaving in the role of the villainous Johann Schmidt aka The Red Skull was also superbly matched. As comic books villains tend to have a lot of monologues, who could have possibly been a better choice? We then have Stanley Tucci, who I always admired and perceived as one of the less obvious greats. It was also great to see an American legend like Tommy Lee Jones too, especially after the recent media hate he's been enduring. He is still an amazing old-school actor.
As far as the story goes, there isn't much to it if you know your comics. Captain America encounters one of his first villains - The Red Skull. His mission is to put a stop to his mad mission of conquer and destroy his powerful HYDRA research department. Of course, you see the becoming of The Captain beforehand and it's an awesome ride. Beside the story, you have some chin-dropping action sequences and amazing slow-motion shots with a lot of firepower. Perhaps the only thing that I found lacking are the exciting locations, as almost everything is done through CGI. But, no worries, it still delivers.
That's about it, really. Since the Ultimate Avengers shooting photos are already out, all that remains is for us to wait. With high hopes that it will be even more explosive and intriguing.
7.5 out of 10.
P.S. Intensely wishing for Herr Kleiser.
