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 fifth 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 costumed superhero who fights alongside the Allies 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 three Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects.
The film's success led to two sequels, Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and Captain America: Civil War (2016), as well as a number of spin-off films set in the MCU. Captain America is considered to be one of the most popular and iconic superheroes of all time.
Plot
In 1942, Steve Rogers is a sickly but determined young man who is rejected from military service for the fourth time. While attending an exhibition of the Stark Expo, Rogers is recruited by Dr. Erskine to participate in the secret Project Rebirth. After undergoing the experiment, Rogers is transformed into a super-soldier and becomes Captain America.
Captain America is sent to Europe to fight alongside the Allies in World War II. He quickly becomes a symbol of hope for the Allies and a thorn in the side of the Axis powers. In 1943, Rogers is captured by HYDRA, a Nazi organization led by Johann Schmidt / Red Skull. Schmidt uses the Cosmic Cube to transform himself into a powerful being and plans to use it to conquer the world.
Captain America escapes from HYDRA and teams up with Peggy Carter, Bucky Barnes, and the Howling Commandos to stop Schmidt. They succeed in defeating Schmidt and destroying the Cosmic Cube, but Rogers is lost in the Arctic.
Rogers is found and revived by the Avengers in 2012. He joins the team and helps them to defeat Loki and the Chitauri. Rogers continues to fight for justice as Captain America in the modern world.
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
Captain America was developed by Marvel Studios in the early 2000s. The film was originally intended to be directed by Joe Johnston, but he left the project in 2008 due to creative differences. Johnston was replaced by Joe Russo, who was in turn replaced by Anthony Russo. The Russo brothers were eventually hired to direct the film in 2010.
The film was shot in London, England, and Los Angeles, California. The production budget was estimated to be $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 generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for Evans' performance, the action sequences, and the visual effects. Captain America was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects.
Legacy
Captain America is considered to be one of the most popular and iconic superheroes of all time. The film's success led to two sequels, Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and Captain America: Civil War (2016), as well as a number of spin-off films set in the MCU. Captain America has also been featured in a number of video games, television shows, and comic books.
The character of Captain America has been praised for his heroism, courage, and selflessness. He is a symbol of hope and inspiration for people all over the world. Captain America is a reminder that even the smallest of us can make a difference in the world.