Beforethe MCU timelineredefined superhero storytelling with billion-dollar blockbusters, Marvel properties had a history of lackluster adaptations.
The most glaring example was so critically panned it makes Marvels other infamous misfires look like masterpieces by comparison.
Marvel struggled to compete, with a handful of made-for-TV and straight-to-video movies.
Perhaps the most infamous was released in the 1990s and holds the worstRotten Tomatoesof any live-action Marvel movie.
Directed by Albert Pyun and starring Matt Salinger (son of legendary author J.D.
It bounced around international markets, quietly debuting in the shadow of other failed superhero attempts of the era.
Custom image by Yailin Chacon
Captain America was intended for a US release in 1990, but was delayed until 1992.
Meanwhile, the UK screened it in 1991.
This has led to the movie being accredited to all three years.
For comparison, SonysMadame Web, which was eviscerated upon release, boasts a 54% audience rating.
TheCaptain Americareviews onRotten Tomatoesare particularly scathing and entertaining.
Sonys Spider-Man Universe offered three of the most notorious, withMorbius,Kraven the Hunter, andMadame Web.
The fact thatCaptain Americascores worse despite having the benefit of nostalgic hindsight speaks volumes.
Its not that expectations were too high its that the moviereally is that rough.
Firstly, the budget was embarrassingly low for a superhero film.
TheCaptain Americafilm instead leaned heavily on cheap sets, awkward costuming, and often laughable special effects.
The character design was wildly inconsistent he goes from disfigured supervillain to plain-faced mob boss halfway through the movie.
The editing is clunky, the acting flat, and the dialogue ranges from wooden to absurd.
Even the action scenes are baffling.
All of these factors contributed toCaptain Americasabysmal critics scores.
The fact that it hasnt garnered even one in five positive reviews isparticularly damning.
Moreover, the film suffers from how poorly its aged.
It’s dated in a way that feels more depressing than endearing.
Compared to cult favorites likeFlash GordonorThe Rocketeer, it lacks flair, coherence, and heart.
EvenThe First Avenger, often seen as the least of the trilogy, has a respectable 80%.
The 1990Captain Americaisnt just a bad movie its a fascinating reminder of how far superhero cinema has come.
Without those elements, even a symbol of American heroism can fall flat on his star-spangled face.
