Phil sees CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER IN 3D at the Camera 12-July 22, 2011

Well, folks, the time has come. The final piece of the puzzle has now been found. The king has been crowned. Where am I going with all of this? Glad you asked my faithful followers. In some of my previous blogs, I mentioned that the summer of 2011 will be known as the Superhero Summer, given that four films based on famous comic book characters would be released. Now three of those superhero films have been released with some mixed reactions from critics and movie goers. However, it is the fourth that will unite everyone in celebration as we cheer the release of CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER into theaters.

Actor Chris Evans portrays Steve Rogers, a scrawny, weakling kid from Brooklyn who wants nothing to do more than to serve his country in World War II, but is rejected several times. But when he is recruited to participate in the military's experiment to create the ultimate super soldier, Steve becomes Captain America, the first Avenger. Now it's up to the Cap to stop the evil Johann Schmidt aka the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) and his army of Hydra solders from taking over the world.

Also appearing in the film are Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter), Sebastian Stan (James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes), Tommy Lee Jones (Colonel Chester Phillips), Dominic Cooper (Howard Stark), Stanley Tucci (Dr. Abraham Erskine), Toby James (Dr. Arnim Zola), and Samuel L. Jackson (Sgt. Nick Fury).

Needless to say, this is my favorite comic book film of 2011. Director Joe Johnston (who directed 2010's WOLFMAN, 1999's OCTOBER SKY, and 1995's JUMANJI) keeps the movie moving smoothly and the action fast and exciting. Also, great screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who really stay close to the original comic book origin. We also get to see the evolution of the Rogers, from skinny weakling to selling war bonds to saving the world. While Captain America is a somewhat dated character, it's interesting to see him evolve over the film and one has to wonder what will he be like when he arrives in the 21st century. Also, as always, stick around after the credits for a bonus scene as well as big surprise that we have been waiting for: a teaser trailer for the AVENGERS movie!

The comic book was created by Joe Simon and the King of Comics Jack Kirby back in 1941. Since then he has become one of the most treasured icons in the Marvel Universe. In my humble opinion, I think both Simon and Kirby would be very pleased to see their character up on the big screen, an after being around for the past 70 years, still resonates with readers to this very day.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER is the best summer superhero film of 2011. The film is a smart, action packed blockbuster that will make comic book fans and movie goers go crazy for. Marvel Studios now has done the impossible, scoring 3-0 for their summer films. Now we all just have sit and wait patiently for next summer's AVENGERS. In the meantime, I'll just reread my comic books 'til then.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER is now playing in standard 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Camera Cinemas here in the South Bay. To view showtimes and to purchase tickets, visit their website at http://www.cameracinemas.com/index.shtml

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!