Captain America: The First Avenger emerges atop the heap of this summer’s superhero flicks as a thrilling, suspenseful, and well-executed piece of cinema. Unlike so many superhero films, The First Avenger is recreated in a believable setting: it’s the 1940s, and the nation is at war. Where The First Avenger succeeds most is with the delivery of all the superhero fun — weapons, awesome stunts, and an incredible storyline that makes this movie more than just a mindless collage of action stunts.

Captain America: The First Avenger is an underdog’s story intertwined with a patriot’s fervor to save his nation. It stars an exceptional A-grade class, including Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, and Samuel L. Jackson. It possesses all the qualities of good directing and script. While it is certainly an action-drenched flick, it does have enough comedic elements to take the edge off and keep you thrilled and optimistic for Captain America’s safe return from behind enemy lines.

It begins with Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a scrawny and pasty Brooklyn-born boy, whose only motivation is to serve his country in its fight against the Nazis in late 1942. He is routinely turned down for his enlistment on account of his slim build, shortness, and generally ghostly appearance. A brilliant scientist (played by Stanley Tucci) overhears Steve talking about his desire to enter the Army and offers him the chance of a lifetime: go through with an experimental procedure, and we’ll recruit you. Steve agrees to work with the doctor, who, as it turns out, chose Steve for his heart, not his muscles. After the procedure’s done, we are revealed a new Steve Rogers: a man who towers in height, muscle, and athletic ability—a man who can clear 8-foot tall fences, outrun vehicles, and tirelessly fight off hoards of Nazis. Steve soon takes on his heroic name, Captain America. But Captain America is late to the scene. Nazi mastermind, Johann Schmidt, A.K.A. Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), has gone rogue and taken the best Nazi troops with him to create the world’s most powerful army.

Johann Schmidt is the only other person who has also taken this experimental concoction, which had similar powerful effects on him. There’s only one problem: this wonder serum doesn’t just turn one strong. It amplifies one’s personality, the good and the bad. Schmidt, now a formidable foe to the Allies, becomes Red Skull, and manages to grow impervious strongholds throughout Europe.

It’s up to Captain America to save the world by trampling through dangerous enemy lines and rescuing friendly troops. And to top off his busy evil-fighting schedule, he has just enough time to steal kisses from the lovely Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), an agent of the Allies and Captain America's love. Captain America: The First Avenger is packed with explosive, awe-inspiring guns, epic zip-line drops, parachutes from the sky, and otherwise dangerous stunts cast in the bloody terrain of World War II Europe.

The film ends in an unexpected twist that brings Captain America a little closer to our world of superheroes. Don’t know what I’m talking about? I guess you’ll just have to see it yourself. Also, stick around after the credits to witness a surprising and exciting new encore to the Captain America saga.

This movie is brilliant and works as an entertaining, limitlessly enjoyable summer break from the heat. Its only downsides are the moments when you catch yourself saying, “Geez, get to the point already. Enough with the build-up!”

Moviegoers applauded at the end of the film, and little children squealed with, “Oh my God!” at the end and after the movie’s credits ended. It is certainly worth waiting in line for. My suggestion is to get some popcorn and drinks to curl up with, because this film is long: a full two hours. As with all things, time seems to fly by when you’re having fun.

I give this film four out of five Patches."