Apparently, Marvel had been trying to make a live action version of Captain America since 1944. Long before the films came to live that are part of the MCU. First as a serial film (consisting of 15 chapters), then two TV Movies in 1979 and last, Captain America, released in 1990. Released as direct to video in America, but released in theatres internationally. There is a very good reason why it took them a while to try again.
Let me start with the good. Some plot elements do touch on the complexities of Steve Roger and his origins. Mind you, in a very superficial and comically bad manner, but it's there. Can we blame Matt Sallinger's performance? To be honest, he is not that bad. He is trying to make Captain America a hero you can be proud of. But he is let down by the direction and the clear lack of budget. If he were chased by super strong and powerful enemies, then maybe we could have forgiven him for acting a little cowardly. But the goons who are after him consist of mostly women and men dressed as models. Obviously, they are Italian. And Italian people are always stylish. Then there are very brief moments where the super soldier does come out a little. Why not have more of those moments? I mean, there have been plenty of action films that had been able to depict superpowers on a budget. Why even attempt a film like this if you couldn't make him look like a man with extraordinary strength and athleticism. I liked how despite his failures, he had the back of people who matter. Ronny Cox as American President is one, then you have Bernie, Steve's old sweetheart. And Bernie's daughter.
Red Skull, played by Scott Paulin. One could argue whether is one of the highlights. He certainly livens up events when he is on the screen. He has some stellar one-liners. Like this one. "You are a perfect symbol of America, my brother. Weak, and full of self-pity. You have even failed to teach me English". That being said, He doesn't do that much. For a supposed genius, he is very disappointing.
This adaptation is butchered by ineptitude and incompetency of the highest order. First, there is not that much action and spectacle present. The little there is, is not noteworthy and sometimes even laughable. But I could have overlooked all of this had Steve Rogers kicked ass like we know he can. Would it have been boring to see goons fly left and right? As someone who has been on this planet for a long time. No, that never gets boring. Clearly, the low budget was the biggest cause of not being able to deliver on the action goodness. Then why even try?
Overall, I did found some enjoyment on the attempt of making Steve Rogers seem like a classic hero who can inspire people. Sadly, I had most fun with how bad everything is. Mind you, you are supposed to take things seriously, but that is impossible. But because of this, certain things are so hilarious. Like that line from Red Skill. What were they thinking?
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