Captain America: The First Avenger is the most entertaining superhero film of the summer and it just might be the strongest Marvel adaptation since Spider-Man 2 (even eclipsing Iron Man). Is it perfect? No. The second half of the picture doesn't quite measure up to the first half. The villain (played by an effective Hugo Weaving) never truly rises to his potential and the overall threat is never entirely clear. No matter because energized director Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer, and Honey I Shrunk the Kids) mounts outstanding action sequences that even Indiana Jones would be happy to be a part of. And the look of the picture is positively gorgeous. The opening sequences (which recreate the 1940's World's Fair) are breathtaking, and the special effects are equally impressive (the scrawny Steve Rogers effect is extremely creative).

A big key to the film's over all success is the casting. In May, we were treated to Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and now we have a chance to see a beefed up Chris Evans shine as Captain America. Aside from the previously mentioned attributes, one of the things I so enjoyed about this Marvel adaptation is that it works splendidly as a stand alone movie. Sure, it plants the Avengers seed, but unlike Iron Man 2, this is-- first and foremost-- a Captain America movie. And what a great sense of humor at the heart of this slice of gung ho Americana (the earlier portions of the film, in which Steve Rogers is used-and branded--as a poster boy for the military, are hilariously fitting). I really enjoyed this film and perhaps my biggest gripe--minor spoiler alert--is in knowing that we won't get another Captain America movie set in the 40's. A bummer in deed. On a side note, stick through the end credits if you're interested in getting a peak at The Avengers.