Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures, it is the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film 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. In the film, Rogers undergoes a transformation and becomes a superhero who fights against the Nazi HYDRA organization in 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 generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for Evans' performance, the action sequences, and the visual effects. Captain America was nominated for two Academy Awards, for Best Visual Effects and Best Original Score.
The film was followed by two sequels, Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and Captain America: Civil War (2016).
Plot
In 1942, Steve Rogers is a sickly but determined young man who is rejected from military service for the fourth time. At the Stark Expo, he is recruited by Dr. Erskine to participate in the Super Soldier program. After being injected with the Super Soldier Serum, Rogers undergoes a transformation and becomes a superhero with enhanced strength, speed, agility, and durability.
Rogers is then sent to Camp Lehigh, where he is trained by Peggy Carter and Bucky Barnes. He is also given a special uniform and shield made of vibranium, a nearly indestructible metal. Rogers becomes Captain America and goes on a USO tour to promote the war effort.
On a mission to stop HYDRA from using the Tesseract to power their weapons, Rogers encounters Johann Schmidt, the Red Skull, who was also injected with the Super Soldier Serum but was disfigured by the process. Schmidt escapes, and Rogers is presumed dead after the plane he is on crashes into the Arctic Ocean.
Rogers is actually frozen in ice, and he is discovered by S.H.I.E.L.D. in 2011. He is revived and brought up to speed on the modern world. Rogers is then assigned to work with the Avengers, a team of superheroes who protect the world from threats.
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 other Marvel characters from Artisan Entertainment. The film was officially announced in 2006, with Joe Johnston attached as director.
The screenplay was written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who were inspired by the 1940s Captain America comic books. The film was shot in London, England, and Los Angeles, California.
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 against a production budget of $140 million. It received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for Evans' performance, the action sequences, and the visual effects. Captain America was nominated for two Academy Awards, for Best Visual Effects and Best Original Score.
The film was followed by two sequels, Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and Captain America: Civil War (2016).
Legacy
Captain America is considered to be one of the best superhero films of all time. The film was praised for its strong performances, exciting action sequences, and compelling story. Captain America also helped to launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has become one of the most successful film franchises of all time.
The character of Captain America has also become one of the most popular superheroes in the world. Chris Evans' portrayal of the character has been praised by fans and critics alike. Captain America is a symbol of hope and courage, and he represents the best of what it means to be a hero.