Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The film is the first installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It was directed by Joe Johnston, written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and stars Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America, alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Dominic Cooper, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke, and Tommy Lee Jones. The film follows Rogers, a sickly but determined man who is transformed into the superhero Captain America to aid in the fight against HYDRA during World War II.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $370 million worldwide against a production budget of $140 million. It received two Academy Award nominations, for Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design.
Plot
In 1942, Steve Rogers is a sickly but determined man who is rejected from the United States Army for the fourth time. He is recruited by Dr. Erskine for the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) to undergo the Super Soldier experiment. After being injected with the Super Soldier Serum, Rogers is transformed into the superhero Captain America.
Rogers is sent on a USO tour to promote the war effort. During the tour, he meets Peggy Carter, an SSR agent who becomes his love interest. Rogers is later sent to the front lines in Europe, where he fights against HYDRA, a Nazi organization led by Johann Schmidt / Red Skull.
Rogers and Carter discover that Schmidt is planning to use the Tesseract, a powerful energy source, to power a weapon that could destroy the world. Rogers and Carter are able to stop Schmidt and destroy the weapon, but Schmidt escapes.
Rogers is presumed dead after the battle, but he is actually frozen in ice in the Arctic. He is discovered by S.H.I.E.L.D. in the present day and revived. Rogers is reunited with Carter, who is now an elderly woman.
Rogers learns that the world has changed a lot since he was frozen in ice. He is determined to continue fighting for justice and freedom, and he joins the Avengers, a team of superheroes.
Cast
- Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America
- Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury
- Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt / Red Skull
- Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter
- Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier
- Dominic Cooper as Howard Stark
- Neal McDonough as Dum Dum Dugan
- Derek Luke as Gabe Jones
- Tommy Lee Jones as Chester Phillips
Production
The development of Captain America began in the 1990s, with several studios vying for the rights to the character. In 2005, Marvel Studios acquired the rights to Captain America and began developing the film. Joe Johnston was hired as director in 2008, and Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely were hired to write the screenplay.
The film was shot in London, England, and New York City. Principal photography began in June 2010 and ended in January 2011. The film's budget was $140 million.
Release
Captain America was released in the United States on July 22, 2011. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $370 million worldwide. It received two Academy Award nominations, for Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design.
Legacy
Captain America is considered to be one of the best superhero films of all time. The film's success helped to launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has become one of the most successful film franchises of all time.
Captain America has been praised for its strong performances, exciting action sequences, and compelling story. The film has also been praised for its positive portrayal of American values.
Captain America is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed by fans for years to come.