So, what do these two movies have in common? Both are engaging, summer popcorn flicks.

But, there is more than that. The two films each paint portraits of an American can do attitude that triumphs over monolithic evil with multicultural connections and a healthy dose of redemption.

Captain America vanquishes a Nazi bad guy (who reminds me of Darth Maul) with an integrated team of backup troops, and cowboys conquer aliens by teaming up with Indians…and outlaws…and a surprise hero.

The progressive tendency is clear in these tales, and redemption for a little guy with a big chip on his shoulder and for a wanted man who cannot remember all of his crimes is part of the package.

(Spoiler alert.) Is it too much to ask that redemption be followed by loving? I thought the hero was supposed to get the girl…at least sometimes.