By all indications, Captain America: The First Avenger could have been a lame duck film.

As the last part of Marvel’s ramp up to next summer’s The Avengers, in a summer where Thor had already come and blew audiences away, and with a character seen by many as somewhat of a uninteresting boy scout, they pretty much could have just thrown a guy in the suit, had him fight Red Skull, called it a movie and got their few hundred million on the way.  I mean, that’s sorta how the two prior Captain America films were handled.

However, with a cast that truly believes in the project, a whip smart script and a director that has an amazing understanding of the material, it’s safe to say that Captain America: The First Avenger is another jewel in the crown of Marvel Studios.

For those unfamiliar with the source material, allow me to toss you the elevator pitch for what happens in this one. Literal 98-pound weakling Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) wants nothing more than to be able to serve his country in World War II.  However, his lack of size, skill and ability holds him back, despite his abundance of heart.  After 4 straight failures in enlisting, he is spotted by scientist Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) who decides Rogers is the perfect candidate for his Super Solider Serum, a biological breakthrough that can make Rogers the hero he truly wishes to be, with a body that matches the size of his heart. And it’s just in the nick of time, too, as the US is about to face the secret threat of HYDRA, the Nazi experiment weapon divison, lead by the evil Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), a man who’s trial with an earlier version of the serum left him permanently scarred and mad with power.

Sounds like a rip-roaring pulp adventure, right? That’s because it is!   Adeptly directed by Joe Johnson (The Rocketeer, Jumanji), this movie is equal parts Iron Man and Indiana Jones.  One of the swiftest scripts to come out of Marvel Studios thus far, this is a tale on a scale unlike the other films, one that takes you through a number of years with Rogers, going from scrawny wannabe to joke to icon, and yet does not outlast it’s welcome at a lean 2 hours and change.

It’s really amazing how much story they were able to pack into the film.  You are able to get a true feel for Steve Rogers life before the Serum changed everything (thanks to some stellar Benjamin Button-esq CGI work on Chris Evans), and once he gets juiced up, the movie hits a fever pitch, sending you through Cap’s painfully hilarious tour for the USO, his ascension into military greatness with a gutsy mission into HYDRA territory and his eventual leadership in the war, supported by a team of mercenaries who are never named, but comic fans know as The Howling Commandos.

What truly makes the film work is the cast.  Top to bottom, it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the roles they have here.  My initial worries and criticisms of Chris Evans as Captain America were quickly tossed away when I saw his performance here.  Evans understands how easily Cap can be played as a dull boy scout, but he understands the true passion and honesty within the character, taking a performance that could be cloying into one that is relatable and never feels hokey.  He’s met across the board with a great extended cast, including Tommy Lee Jones sublime performance as Colonel Phillips, Hayley Atwell as love interest/military agent Peggy Carter (who mixes pinup looks with a great wit and general strength), the entirety of the Howling Commandos (who REALLY need their own spin-off) and most surprisingly, Tucci’s performance as Dr. Erskine.  Much like Evans, Tucci takes a role that could be rather cookie cutter and blase on paper and livens it up, making you wish the film gave you a bit more of a glimpse into the character’s past.   Of course, I would be remiss without mentioning Hugo Weaving as The Red Skull, who chews up scenery as if it is the only thing he can subsist on.  The film needs a properly strong villain to counteract Captain America, and I’m pleased to say that Weaving more than supports the role.  The movie even finds time to make characters like Bucky (Sebastian Stan) and Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) stand out and have an impact.  If the films strengths were on the ensemble alone, it enough would make for an enjoyable time at the cinema.

All and all, coming off of the trailers and pre-release hype for the film, my expectations were aiming a little high.  The trailers promised a super hero film in the vein of action adventure films like Indiana Jones, and I’m pleased to say the action lives up to the hype.  Perhaps it’s because of the injection of strong characters, but the set-pieces all snap and you’re left giddily grinning as Cap plows through row after row of HYDRA soldiers.  Full of crazy sci-fi weapons and over the top tanks and machinations, you truly get the feeling that the number one idea for the film was “fun”, and it was met up and down the line.

For the comic fans, you’ll be excited to know that this movie does tie the film into the growing Marvel universe.  If you’re a devout fan of the character, you know how Cap’s story ends, and I’m pleased to say the transition was appropriately jarring, and you really do want to see what happens next.  And yes, as always with Marvel Studios films - stay through the credits. Really.

If there are flaws, they are but minor.  There are some instances of wonky CG work, and as a digitally shot production, there are times where the digital feel is more prevalent than others, giving certain shots a cheap feel.  And once again, I advise you dear reader - this is not a film naively shot in 3D…just don’t bother with the extra money or the stupid glasses.

The final flick  in a superhero filled summer, Captain America: The First Avenger holds up as not just one of the best films of this season, but one of the best superhero films, period.  I greatly look forward to some lazy Saturday afternoons spent with the blu-ray, and highly recommend checking it out in theaters this weekend. It’s an absolute blast.