gaycomicgeeks (original) (raw)

at August 28th, 2011 (11:09 pm)
current song: Various - [Eurovision Song Contest Helsinki 2007 (CD2) #18] The worrying kind (Sweden)

I had waited for this film for some time but in Australia its release was delayed until recently. Then I discovered last week that the only sessions showing locally of Captain America: The First Avenger were on at 9pm. Not a problem if you have a car but I don't and the last bus to get home leaves the nearest cinema before that time. Well, without going into specifics I found a way to see the film anyway, although in a less than perfect condition. I don't think it mattered, in fact it probably added to the film!

I'm highly impressed with this film. Like Thor, the writers have done their research and I think the film captures the character of WWII Cap almost perfectly. Of course some changes have been made to the origin story, but it is essentially intact. The point of a film like this is not to mimic the original comics exactly, but to get across the basic idea and flavour of the stories. What I quite liked about this film was how deftly it wove several Marvel characters and groups together. Not only do we have the Captain fighting the Red Skull (Weaving is perfectly cast) but with the appearance of the Howling Commandos, Agent Carter, and HYDRA. (and their uniform now actually makes sense in a WWII setting).

The look of the film seems just right, and the Nazi hi-tech kit is either based on real designs (in the case of the aircraft) or has the feel of the period. I also liked how we see the Kirby-Simon costume (including patriotic poses which could have been lifted straight off the covers of the comics of the period), and later the Ultimates costume versions. Not only that that but there's at least one scene featuring tricks and hi-jinx on a motorcycle, which is a tip to the otherwise terrible TV show!

I loved it, especially a storyline involving The Cosmic Cube! Can't wait to see the Avengers film. They're doing these right, so far.