Paramount has just released a second theatrical trailer for the upcoming fourth and final superhero feature of Summer Movie Season 2011, Captain America: The First Avenger. On the heels of Thor, X-Men: First Class and Green Lantern, Captain America hopes to be remembered as the best superhero film of 2011 when it arrives on July 22.
Personally, I expect it to do just that. It looks to be different enough from the other superhero films we’ve seen this year as well as unique with its World War II setting. My only concern is the film’s director, Joe Johnston, whose track record doesn’t impress me.
I know people like to use The Rocketeer as their case for why Johnston was the right choice, and while that film isn’t too bad I hardly see it as convincing evidence to dissuade me from remembering films such as The Wolfman and Jurassic Park III. Johnston’s best film, in my opinion, is probably October Sky, which is good, but not earth shattering. Here’s to hoping with Captain America he delivers the film I currently expect him to despite my doubts.
By the way, what kind of prospects does this film have internationally? They can’t possibly be going with the “Heroes are made in America” tagline overseas can they?
Born during the Great Depression, Steve Rogers grew up a frail youth in a poor family. Horrified by the newsreel footage of the Nazis in Europe, Rogers was inspired to enlist in the army. However, because of his frailty and sickness, he was rejected. Overhearing the boy’s earnest plea, General Chester Phillips offered Rogers the opportunity to take part in a special experiment… Operation: Rebirth. After weeks of tests, Rogers was at last administered the ‘Super-Soldier Serum’ and bombarded by ‘vita-rays.’ Steve Rogers emerged from the treatment with a body as perfect as a body can be and still be human. Rogers was then put through an intensive physical and tactical training program. Three months later, he was given his first assignment as Captain America. Armed with his indestructible shield and and battle savvy, Captain America has continued his war against evil both as a sentinel of liberty and leader of the Avengers.
