I decided to explore the works of Joe Johnston, and his film Captain America. I decided to review a superhero film because although it typically is considered a separate genre, arguments can be made to prove that it fits into the action category. Being the first film in a series of films, the first part of the movie is dedicated to displaying our hero and how he gained the powers that define him. This aspect of the film is the only detractor from staying true to the action genre, when traditionally the character is already established and the first scenes are usually dedicated to providing a window into the already action filled life of the hero. The remainder of the movie however is filled with exciting fights, elaborate plot development, and great cinematography.
In the midst of World War II, Captain America, along with his band of soldiers, are commissioned to fight Red Skull, a Nazi who’s new weapon technology has unmatched power. The feat of taking down the man with the most powerful weapons seems impossible, until Captain America against all odds saves the world from a cataclysmic nuke. The over the top action with fight scenes on moving trains, ray guns, and a final showdown in a burning building all hold Captain America to a great action standard, however the development of our hero in the beginning of the film detracts from the movie as a whole. For that reason this film, as an action movie, was good but not great. 