Welcome to The Daily Cup a movie blog/writing project by Kyle B. Dekker, presented by Hot Chocolate Media. You can read series concept here. The basic rules, Kyle must watch 365 movies in 2018 and write about all of them. 292 of them have to be movies he's never seen before. Thanks for reading.
There are some movies that you never feel get their full due. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) is one of those films. I think it may be the most underrated MCU film out there. Most people will tell you they liked it, but rarely is it ever in in their list of the very best MCU films, and I think that’s a shame. One of the finest entries into the MCU, and a very excellent introduction into the most noble character in the entire MCU it deserves to be in the discussion of best MCU film. To be clear there isn’t a right answer as to which MCU film is best. There are so many good ones, but there is a top tier and the first entry into the Cap trilogy deserves to be there.
As far as origin stories go this one is pretty damn good. Director Joe Johnson crafts and excellently paced story that follows Steve Rodgers from skinny invalid, to hunky warrior for justice, truth, and the American way. Along the way we are introduced to many amazing characters that are the foundation to the universe the MCU occupies. Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper), and Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) help Cap become the hero we know today. Long time bromantic interest Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and the evil organization Hydra all get their introduction into the MCU as well.
This film never gets enough credit for building the strong foundations of the MCU Universe. Screen writers Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus (who also penned the subsequent Cap films and the upcoming Infinity War Films) really had their plan set out to create the robust and throughout world our now favorite superheroes live in. The success of Joss Whedon’s The Avengers largely rests on the story foundation set in this film. In it we get the Tesseract, driving force of The Avengers and genesis of the Infinity Wars plot. Winter Soldier and Civil War won’t have the impact they need without Bucky and the course he is set on in this film. T’Challa, Black Panther doesn’t get the great introduction to the MCU without Bucky and the splitting of the Avengers. Also established in this film is Steve Rogers unflinching dedication to doing what is right. This drive of his and strong moral stance guides all of his decisions in subsequent films, and has become the moral compass by which we judge the whole MCU.
the only MCU movie the heavily showcase Agent Carter should be near the top of all MCU films.
At its heart this is a nearly perfect adventure film. It’s pulpy, fun, and embraces the serial golden age comic fell from beginning to end. Filled with wonderfully cast main characters and filled with side characters with just enough fun and trope you are having a blast every minute. The score from Alan Silvestri is amazing, and should be considered one of the best film scores from the last decade. The action sequences are entertainingly fun and well shot, and Chris Evans is flawless and charismatic as the titular lead. Truly a top tier MCU film, it should be in the conversation as one of the best MCU films.
Tally
Movies new to me watched: 45/292
Other movies: 12/73
Total movies watched: 57/365
Have your own thoughts or opinions on this movie? Comment below or contact Kyle at kyle@hotchocolatemedia.net or on Twitter at @kbdekker.