COUNTDOWN TO THE AVENGERS #4 – Captain America: The First Avenger

By J.T. Johnson

Here is the final installment of “Countdown to the Avengers.” This time, I’ll take a look at “Captain America: The First Avenger” and give a miniature preview for “The Avengers.” Director Joe Johnston has made a fun, “Indiana Jones” inspired adventure film set in World War II. With the film, Johnston also gets Steve Rogers set up in the present day in order to lead the Avengers.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

The movie is exceptionally fun, but it does have some minor issues. First off, the title is an annoyance for me. The film should have simply been called “Captain America.” Instead, they tried a cheesy marketing ploy just by putting the word Avenger in the title.

Secondly, this film’s story tries way too hard to get Captain America into the present day. The film should have focused more on the Captain’s adventures in the War. Also, they could have established a stronger connection between the hero and the villain, Red Skull. Instead, the Captain and Red Skull just seem to hate each other because of the war.

Those problems aside, though, the film is fantastic to watch. The action is great and the characters, like in other Marvel movies, are fun to follow. Chris Evans is no stranger to the Marvel Universe. He played Johnny Storm/Human Torch in two “Fantastic Four” movies. Here, though, he has to present a leader-in-the-making instead of a rebel.

The first moment I knew Evans would work as the character was seeing him play Steve Rogers as a character that simply wants to help his fellow men despite his extreme frailty. I wasn’t too sure of Evans’ casting when it was originally announced. Thankfully, the actor proved my doubts wrong and now, I can’t imagine anyone else in the role.

With a great lead come great supporting actors. The Marvel movies have made it a point to include A-list actors in their supporting roles including Jeff Bridges in “Iron Man,” William Hurt in “The Incredible Hulk” and Anthony Hopkins in “Thor.” With this movie, Tommy Lee Jones joins their ranks as Colonel Chester Phillips. He’s not the most important character in the film, but he is definitely one of the more entertaining supporting roles.

As with the past movies, there are also some cool references to the other films. In this film in particular, Dominic Cooper steps into the role of Howard Stark. Not only does he help develop the Captain’s gear, he also happens to be Tony Stark’s father in the future. Once again, these are nice little touches that help set up the bigger universe that these characters inhabit.

Avengers Assemble!

Since the release of “Iron Man” in 2008, audiences have been waiting for “The Avengers.” This is the first real time that a superhero team-up film has been attempted. With the characters already established in their own films, “The Avengers” is setting itself up to be a fun ride.

Not only does the film have all the major Marvel heroes accounted for, it has some great talent behind the camera as well. Writer and director Joss Whedon is best known for the TV shows “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Firefly.” Both of those series contained great ensemble casts, witty dialogue and clever action.

This makes Whedon an obvious choice as the director and I feel that he will give each character their own iconic moments. Also, the story seems to be about how these characters put aside their lone wolf mentalities and work as a team to face a larger threat. It looks to be a solid origin story about Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

“Captain America: The First Avenger” Grade: A

NEXT: THE AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!

COUNTDOWN TO THE AVENGERS #3 – Thor

By J.T. Johnson

Once again, I continue to take a look back at the Marvel Cinema Universe in celebration of the impending release of “The Avenger.” I have already taken a look back at “Iron Man 1 & 2” and “The Incredible Hulk.” Now, it’s time to take a look at “Thor,” which was released on May 6, 2011.

Thor (2011)

Of all the Marvel movies leading up to the release of “The Avengers,” this movie could have been the silliest one released. Instead, director Kenneth Branagh hired a top-notch cast that helped a fun story work even better. It also introduced mainstream audience members to Chris Hemsworth.

Before “Thor,” Hemsworth had played Captain Kirk’s short-lived father in “Star Trek.” Now, he is in a leading man role and has successfully made a believable character out of one of Marvel’s sillier products. It also helps that Branagh kept the Shakespearean dialogue to a minimum.

As far as the other stars are concerned, Anthony Hopkins is the perfect choice for Thor’s father, Odin. He has the appropriate amount of anger yet sadness for his son’s arrogance. To me, his casting is reminiscent of Marlon Brando’s in “Superman.”

Then there is the gorgeous Natalie Portman as Jane Foster. Portman’s character could have easily been the screaming damsel in distress, but the talented actress gives the character strength. The only problem with her character is that she is really just there to service a romantic subplot that is jammed into the movie and hastily told.

Finally there is Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Thor’s mischievous brother and the main antagonist. Unlike other Marvel villains, Loki is a more tragic character who discovers his true origins. When Loki embraces his villainy, though, Hiddleston is more than up to the task.

When I originally reviewed this movie, I gave it four out of five stars. Midway through 2011, I switched to a grading system and “Thor” ended up with a B. I still agree with that score and I commend the filmmakers for making me care about a comic book character that I didn’t really like when I was younger.

As with the other Marvel movies, there are references to “The Avengers” that you should look out for should you choose to revisit “Thor.” First, look out for a very brief cameo featuring Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner. Also, after the credits, there is another scene featuring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

Brother vs. Brother

From the looks of the trailers and TV spots, it would appear that Loki is the main antagonist of the first Avengers movie. This makes sense because Loki was the first villain that forced the superheroes to join forces and form the Avengers in the comic books. The biggest question is what army from space did Loki hire to help invade Earth?

The good news is that Thor has managed to find his way back to our planet. With Hemsworth returning as Thor and Hiddleston as Loki, there is bound to be a rematch between the two former brothers. That will definitely be something to look forward to.

“Thor” Grade: B

“Thor” has definitely given the audiences a lot to look forward to, not only with “The Avengers,” but also the potential for its own sequel. Later, it’ll be time to look at the latest Marvel movie leading to “The Avengers.” The next and final issue of Countdown will take a look at “Captain America: The First Avengers.”