Not So Lazy Days: Captain America movie sends kids good messages about heroism

The little one wants to be Captain America for Halloween. He knew this before and after seeing Captain America: The First Avenger today.

The great thing about this movie (and my knowledge of the comic book character, I will admit, is limited to the basics-- bad guy is Red Skull, originated in WWII, somehow makes it to modern time) is he can be a real hero. As in real, real.

Yes, as is the case in most Marvel hero storylines, Steve Rogers is the result of an experiment-- this time, one that went right. But, basically he is a guy on steroids who doesn't get 'roid rage, because, as explained in the movie, a good guy would become a great guy as a result of the experiment. He was chosen for his outstanding determination and valor. He is chosen over a guy who bullies because the bully would just get meaner.

Rogers becomes Captain America, just a guy with super strength, amazing skill and precision. Oh, and he has a shield made out of a special metal-- vibranium, it absorbs vibration-- given to him by Iron Man's dad. His only real "power" is his cells' ability to recover.

Because he was an experiment, he at first is used to encourage the people to buy war bonds. His image is plastered everywhere, even on the pages of comic books. (This, by the way, is when it becomes believable he actually did exist, and we just grew up thinking he was a mere comic book hero)

However, when he does get the opportunity to show what he can do, he does it to save others and he never takes credit alone. Even though he wears a star on his chest, he doesn't see himself as a star, he sees himself as part of a team.

It was a great movie, even though there was a lot more set-up explanation than there needed to be. It would have been nice if his first action sequence in the full suit wasn't a montage that reminded me of Evita's "Rainbow Tour." Amazingly, this did not bother the boys, who looked like they were even into the parts of the movie I thought would be boring them.

Captain America: The First Avenger is a great movie for kids because it shows them what a true hero is.

I've challenged myself to find a new activity to do five days a week every week of the kids' summer vacation. Activities will fall under one of three categories: Arts & Crafts, Sports & Games or Field Trips. Follow me on Twitter @readallaboutsam for immediate updates on posts!