Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Ryan Martin 08.29.11 / 10am

   I loved this movie! I went into the theater with average expectations but found the plot and action to be very entertaining. I have never seen the first movie and never read the comics so I can’t compare it to anything, but as a superhero movie, this has got to be in my top three. I’m a big fan of Hayley Atwell and thought she did a really good job playing the love interest. And since the creation of Men In Black, anything movie with Tommy Lee Jones is considered much better in my eyes. I cannot wait for The Avengers movie!!
2. Jacob Williams 09.07.11 / 4pm

   I loved this movie! I also loved that the reviewer made positive light out of the movie when some could have torn it apart for being a little cheesy at times. I think it did a good job of representing the comic book world, but maybe I’m just a sucker for this type of movie. I also agree the cast was well put together, I’m a big fan of Tommy Lee. One can only hope the Avengers movie is as well put together as this. The reviewer addresses the fact that Captain America was very PG-13 and made its charm top notch, but I disagree and wish it would have been a little more less G rated. Good complete review!
3. Jennifer Van Woy 09.08.11 / 5pm

   I have yet to see this movie and to be perfectly honest had no desire to before reading this review. I was not aware that it had any relation to WW2 and frankly just thought it was your average super hero movie. Now knowing that it has historical relevance and the fact that it does a different take on superhero movies, it seems pretty interesting! Captain America seems like an exciting and action packed film that I would love to see. Oh and not to mention I loved Jumanji (who didn’t?) so I expect any film of Joe Johnston to be great. Good review!
4. Daniel Edwards 09.12.11 / 7pm

   I thought this was a great movie! Possibly one of the better superhero movies I have seen (or maybe it just feels that way because I watched the Green Lantern a week before). I enjoyed the way the film sort of started slow, giving background information and forming the plot. Yet, at the same time, this film also delivered the action needed to satisfy the average viewer. Most importantly, those who waited after the credits saw a trailer for the new Avengers movie which looked interesting! I can’t wait to see whats next. Great review Kathleen.
5. Cameron Smith 10.06.11 / 2pm

   I really enjoyed this movie when I went to see it in theaters; it’s one of the best super hero movies to have come out so far. Unlike most marvel movies such as the spider man and x-men series, captain America actually stayed true to the cartoon plot and I thought that was great. The action scenes in the movie were fun to watch and never seemed over the top which gave a good show for the audience member that might not be into super hero movies that much. My favorite part of all marvel movies are the ending credits and it shows the trailer for the upcoming avenger movies, hopefully it will top the “Captain America: First Avenger”, this was a very good review.
6. Andrea Leon 10.07.11 / 8pm

   Just as the rest, I enjoyed this film and I would definitely watch it again. We saw Chris Evans in Fantastic 4 as the self-absorbed cocky ignorant superhero Torch. In this film, he completely does a 360 playing loyal, honest, shy, and self guided Captain America. I think he embodied this character well. As for the film, I honestly found it very slow paced. Not as much action as many of the other Marvel movies have but then again it gives it a realistic element to it. Also, as the reviewer pointed out, Captain America has no secret identity which does give it more acceptance because like in Spider-Man, Hulk, and Superman we don’t always have that doubt that that cannot happen. The movie explained Captain Americas story smoothly from his background story to Captain Americas and setting it up for The Avengers. They definitely left us at the edge of our seats with the ending credits. We will just see how this will all tie together next year.
7. Chien-ei Yu 10.08.11 / 2pm

   I’m glad the review was so positive. It helped me accept the movie for what it was: a very predictable, traditional amusement park ride. While well executed, I yearned to be moved by it. It just all stayed in my head. However, it did stay true to the comic book genre in terms of the content and form. Unfortunately, it was so visually similar to Star Wars and Harry Potter (though Captain America was around long before Star Wars or Harry Potter). I wish films would come up with a new look for the villains and the battle scenes or a twist in the structure but I guess this one had to stay true to the comic book.
8. Richard Ryan 10.09.11 / 8pm

   I watched Captain America: The First Avenger, the very first day it was played in theaters and I’m so happy I did. Out of all the amazing films that came this summer, I would put Captain America at the top. Kathleen Amboy, this is a fantastic review of the film. This movie truly has some of the most brilliant directing I have ever seen. The artistic design of nearly everything in Captain America is created so perfect for the 1940s it blows me away. And the dialogue is phenomenal. Just like Amboy, I strongly recommend you see this film; it will be well worth your time.
9. Ashlyn Haigh 10.10.11 / 10pm

   I thought that the movie, Captain America: The First Avenger by Joe Johnston, was a thrilling and action packed movie. I loved both the plot and storyline. This movie was amazing because it appealed to every type of audience; Their was everything from action, romance, suspense, a hero, to moral integrity shown in all the characters. Chris Rogers plays a charming, innocent man who has a pure moral heart. He wishes to help serve his country in a time of war, but is unable to because of his physical fitness. Eventually, a famous scientist does an experimental test that goes perfectly right. The theme of this movie is what made this movie phenomenal. No matter what type of situation you are in, never give up. There is always possibilities to either change your own life or someone else’s for the better.
10. Armin Razmy 10.13.11 / 9pm

    This film was so rad! The film, although being based off a comic book, has a large sense of realism to it. It also gives the average person hope that they too could one day be like Steve Rogers. I even found myself after watching this film hitting the gym twice a day. The story doesn’t have a simple cold meathead hero fighting the enemies of America. Steve Rogers beginning as a small man then is transformed into a super solider knows the meaning of power and responsibility. All together I would highly recommend this film to anyone in search of a great film to watch. Looking forward to seeing him in The Avengers, which recently released an amazing trailer. http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/hot-trailer-the-avengers/
11. Eric Skeen 10.14.11 / 1pm

    I really enjoyed this adaptation of the classic marvel comic book. Unlike some adaptations, Captain America embodied the comic book character and also stuck true to the plot. This was a classic superhero movie with romance, compassion, power, and action all as major themes. They did a good job giving us his background story, which laid the bricks for the action-packed thriller that ensued. The casting was good as well—the actors all fit their role and played it very well. This movie was very cool and had some great action in it. As expensive as movies are these days I can honestly say that I feel like my $10 was well spent.
12. Wendy Racicot 10.14.11 / 7pm

    I actually had mixed feeling about this film. I enjoyed it but at the same time I was disappointed. Everything in the film was put together well, the acting, cinematography, special effects, etc. However something about this film left me feeling somewhat disappointed. It may have been because of all the films of its kind that have been released. Also, it could have to do with the fact that it was so built up and anticipated. I was really excited to see this film, so excited I went to the midnight show. If I think back at what my favorite scene in this film was, I would say the ending . . . of the credits when we get the trailer for the Avengers.
13. Rigie Tomimbang 10.14.11 / 8pm

    This adaptation of Captain America is really good. Even though it is a fantasy retelling of the events that occurred in WWII, you are still able to get some sense of what things were like at that time. The screen play was very well executed and the story line was very enthralling. Even though some moments were a little cheesy, you are still able to appreciate the dynamics of this film. This star-studded cast portrayed their rolled really well and I would definitely re-watch this film again, and recommend it. The small comedic reliefs thrown into intense actions scenes were hilarious as well and I feel added well to the situation, made things a little more believable because as in real life, you can never really predict what is going to happen when things are happening.
14. Bryan Beverly 10.16.11 / 1pm

    I liked Captain America but I’m not going to say it was my favorite of the summer. I think the director did a really good job of changing the mis en scene as the film progressed. The scenes would change from being quiet and plain in the beginning, to lots of lights, and more action later in the film. The acting was up to par. I thought Chris Evans did a great job of playing Steve Rogers. Captain America was known as having the cheesy superhero lines. I would say this film was a perfect setup for the upcoming Avengers film for next year.
15. Marcus Morosin 10.30.11 / 12pm

    When this movie was in the theater months ago I was very excited to see it. I had high expectations for it and I have to say that when I walked out I was not disappointed. I was a big fan of the cartoon, so I was very happy that the movie followed that same plot. I think that a big problem with superhero movies that come out today are that they stray much too far away from the original cartoon/comic strip series. I thought that the action scenes were really fun and that nothing was too over the top to be believable. I really enjoyed reading your review; it sheds positive light on the film and makes me want to watch it again!
16. Kevin Fitzpatrick 11.13.11 / 8am

    I have yet to see this movie but after reading this review, I am tempted to go watch this. The review was overall good! Hopefully that means the same for the movie where as it will be good as well! I’ve never been interested much in Captain America, more interested in Batman and Christopher Nolans films inlcuding “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight.” But after reading this review that has given the movie good ratings, I am looking forward to watching it!
17. Herbert Markus Linecker 11.14.11 / 5pm

    I like comic book movies, but recently we have had an overkill of this genre. After the weak Green Lantern, I was still hopeful that this movie would live up to the hype, and I was not disappointed. With a great story, this good cast delivers a fun and entertaining movie. Chris Evans has a great screen presence and is very believable both as the weak Steve Rogers and also as Captain America. Additionally, Stanley Tucci stole every scene he was in. This actor has so much talent and I think he is very underrated. Watch Julie and Julia and you will know what I mean. Furthermore, I just love when Hugo Weaving is the nemesis. The insanity and passion he brings to the role is just intense. The special effects are well presented and not over the top. Director Joe Johnson was always high on my list of good directors, so I was glad that he directed the film. The movie is great to watch in 2D and is a lot of fun to watch in 3D even though it distracts a little bit from the plot. Captain America is a movie with a great sense of patriotism and adventure. I cannot wait to see The Avenger.
18. John Debney 11.21.11 / 5pm

    I have to say this is arguably the best movie out of the Marvel stable of superhero films since Iron Man (2008). The thing that surprised me the most, and made it very enjoyable for me was the fact that it was a period piece, set during WWII, which essentially made it a superhero war film (combining two of my favorite genres). Chris Evans put in a great performance as a humble man who did not lose sight of who he really was even after his transformation and exhibition as “Captain America.” Joe Johnston really surprised me as well. I suppose he got the gig because of his similar directing style seen in Rocketeer (1991), and not because of his last few train wrecks he directed (The Wolfman, Hidalgo, and Jurassic Park III). To me, the entire film felt very “old school” in that the story was first and foremost. The CGI and special effects were there, but didn’t dominate the screen. What really made me captivated was the character arc of Steve Rogers, how he transformed from this weakling, to an overnight superstar while keeping his humble roots.

    I thought it was a very well done superhero film, and it definitely beats Thor for the best superhero film of 2011.
19. David Ahmadi 11.27.11 / 5pm

    Maybe it’s that I’ve become a Nolan cult follower, or just that I have yet to see an antagonist rival the performance given by Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” but I didn’t like the film. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed it for what it was, but that genre just isn’t me. I went in expecting the film to have the darker superhero feel that I was now accustomed to but instead we received a formula similar to the early “Spiderman” films, which is in no way bad, it’s just not me. I definitely agree with the review in that it’s an excellent film for kids who have most likely read the comic books, or are just excited at watching a PG-13 film that their parents aren’t wrinkling their noses at. Light-hearted with kid appropriate themes that show how when one is determined, their goals are all the more within their grasp.
20. Gabriella Newman 12.04.11 / 6pm

    The film definitely is impressive when it comes to effects and CGI but personally when it came to the acting and story line I was not impressed, actually the only thing keeping me awake during the film was the explosions an action scenes, other than this I found it quite boring. I think being a fan of comic films I expected a lot more from the film but was just let down. “The Dark Night” and “X-Men” I believe actually lived up to my expectations but “Captain America” did not. I don’t want to to blame my dislike for the film on the acting of Chris Evans but I have never really been a fan of his after “Not Another Teen Movie”, even though that was a long time ago I just can not take him very seriously. I also didn’t like seeing in him “Fantastic 4” and this film, it makes him seem as just simply an actor for specific comic book films since I haven’t seem much of his other work. Although I am not this films biggest fan I definitely enjoyed watching the fighting against Nazi’s, any film involving that makes Americans feel a tad more patriotic. My biggest problem with the film though wasn’t the film itself but it was the fact it was a comic book film in the first place, I am a fan of the genre but in my opinion they are staring to over do it. I loved films up to “Iron Man” but not it seems they are just producing these movies out of a production line just to make money since any of these films will likely bring in a large amount of viewers, I don’t feel like there is a lot of effort in actually making these films great like they could be.
21. Sandra Andersson 01.29.12 / 10pm

    I am not a big fan of Superhero movies, and to be honest I only watched Captain America: The First Avenger because I was bored during an 11 hours flight. But I have to say that I’m happy that I was bored and that I watched the film, it surprised me. I didn’t know anything about the film before I saw it, so I didn’t have any high hopes when I turned it on but I thought it was exciting the whole way through the film. And now I can’t wait for The Avengers film.
22. Amber Varner 10.19.12 / 10pm

    I am a fan of the action adventure movie genre and Captain American does not disappoint. True it is set during World War II but the technology and supernatural nature of the Tesseract can distract anyone from thinking it is a period film. Though considering that this is based upon Marvel’s comic book story lines, everything just has to be believable but not realistic. I think the designers, artists and director was very successful in giving it a true 1940’s feel for the audiences of 2011. I know that Marvel Studios has been working very hard at truly developing strong individual character films for the ability to have them stand alone and to bring them together for movies like The Avengers. It is only by watching the overall story from each superhero that one can truly appreciate the genius that Marvel has been able to accomplish.
23. John Hollowell 11.14.12 / 4pm

    You did a great job summarizing and reviewing this film. I totally agree with your review. This movie was very good. I haven’t always been a big fan of the actor who played Captain America and wasn’t sure he would fit this role, but he ended up playing him perfectly. I thought that they could have had slightly better action scenes, this movie was somewhat of an introduction to the Captain America character so a lot of the movie was devoted to that. I’m sure they will have a sequel and it will have more action as they always do. One thing I kind of disagree with you about is the fact this movie was so “clean”. Personally, I enjoy the remarks and other things in PG-13 movies that border on not being PG-13. They are usually edgy enough to be funny without being crude. Sometimes you have to give just that little bit of extra thought as to why a certain remark was funny and I love what that adds to movies. You wrote this review before the “Avengers” movie was created, but I’m sure you have seen in by now and Captain America was great in that as well!
24. Cody Segal 11.14.13 / 11am

    I couldn’t agree more with the fact that this is an excellent film. I was so happy to finally own it once it came out on DVD, because it is definitely a film to watch more than once. You wrote an excellent review which I consider to be spoiler-free. One thing that I really enjoy about not just Captain America but also about all of the other Marvel films is the fact that they are clean despite the PG-13 rating. I assume that because Disney has acquired the Marvel film franchise, they make sure that all of the films produced are clean. Either way, it proves the point that foul language and shocking scenes are not always necessary to make a film entertaining.
25. Omar Padilla 11.22.13 / 7am

    Overall, this film was phenomenal and it deserves all the credit it got. The film showed that it could be a great contender with other films because it made quite a lot of money and it was a film that was most anticipated to be released. It was a big comic book Marvel film that was waiting to be released and hopefully to be added into the upcoming Avengers film that was waiting to be released. Captain America had to have been one of the most anticipated heroes to come to the big screen and when he did; it played out well from start to finish. I have not read any of the comic books, but all I can say is that this film really went all the way in super hero films. He showed his “true colors” with the over the top action, cinematic drama, and just how the film stood out to other Marvel films. Hearing from friends that have read all the comic books and just a big fan. Captain America changed the way that super hero films should be looked at and especially how one hero tries to help out mankind by risking his own life. All and all Captain America is a great film and should be watched multiple times just because of how well of a super hero film it came out to be.
26. Antonio De Nunzio 07.06.14 / 12pm

    I agree, a very well acted film that captures the comic book character very well. Everything about the film seemed very well done and for several moments I felt as though I was actually experiencing World War 2. The movie was seemingly flawless presenting charachters that we either loved or hated or simply wanted to be ourselves. As far as super hero movies go these days, it was definitely one of the better ones.
27. Taylor Hay 07.26.14 / 8pm

    This movie will not make you want to go spend your money for another ticket, but it is a very entertaining movie the first time you watch it. The main problem I found is that the story does not develop and well, kinda drags on. However, the characters are pretty well developed and genuine, which causes the audience to care and get connected with the film.
28. Lalo Corrales 10.21.18 / 8pm

    Im not a huge person on superhero types of movies and stuff but i watched this film with my nephew and it definitely had my attention from start to end of the it. it was definitely worth the ticket purchases and have watched it many times after that. I feel that the story was played out and explained pretty well. It made sense and just everything was executed almost perfectly. Would definitely watch this movie again.
29. Alexis Cardenas 06.14.19 / 3pm

    After eight years I still find myself rewatching this and all the other Avenger movies Marvel has put together. These movies depict a fictional reality that superheroes and supervillains exist. Although we all know it couldn’t possibly happen, all the elements that the directing, acting, editing make and piece together is what makes these movies so realistic at times. The sense of fear and happiness as your witnessing Captain America become a supersoldier is what can make a movie so fascinating. I personally loved this film and even though it’s the end of the Saga for him I will continue to rewatch all the captain america films in the future.
30. Patrick Flores 02.26.20 / 1pm

    I like how you mentioned how family friendly this movie is because that is what Marvel Studios is trying to promote. Since they have been bought out by Disney, they have been greatly affected in their production. A higher production budget led the director to create the movie he saw as satisfying Disney. The actor Chris Evans plays his role well and is a unified character because he is very believable as a soldier during World War II. The mise-en-se elevates the movie by having the correct props and CGI to make the movie as real as possible. I agree on how you view the plot. They use the typical hero’s journey plot.
31. Kaylie Stromsodt 04.10.21 / 11am

    I loved this movie! It had a fantastic plot, story, cast, and it was an all-around fantastic movie. I really liked that you added in that it was a family-friendly movie; because it. I agree that The cast that they chose for the film was outstanding and really made the film. I have always loved Chris Evans of course because who wouldn’t, he is amazing; but I really loved Hayley Atwell. She did a great job playing a strong female character, and I admire that! As a woman, I always admire other females that take initiative and show power. I really enjoyed this film!

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