New Movie Roundup - July 22nd 2011

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

Starring: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Sebastian Stan, 
Toby Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Dominic Cooper, 
Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, Neal McDonough & Derek Luke

Directed by Joe Johnston for distribution by Paramount/Marvel

The Plot: A military experiment transforms the weak and scrawny Steve Rogers into a super-solider known as Captain America.

The Final Word: Comic book fans have had a busy summer at the box office so far with the release of “Thor,” and “X-Men: First Class.” Now comes the final major super hero flick of the season and along with it the last Marvel film before next summer’s “The Avengers.” Starring an eclectic mix of Hollywood stars, “Captain America” will look to continue the momentum that has carried Paramount’s slate the last few years. Audiences have stayed with the brand so far and they aren’t likely to stray now.

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

Starring: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman,

Bryan Greenberg, Richard Jenkins & Woody Harrelson

Directed by Will Gluck for distribution by Screen Gems (Sony)

The Plot: Two friends (Timberlake, Kunis) attempt to have a relationship without any of the emotional responsibilities, but soon find that isn’t as easy as they thought.

The Final Word: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Paramount released the similarly themed “No Strings Attached” back in January to put some distance between the two films. Although surprisingly in this market, there may be room for both comedies as at this point the summer, many audiences are tired of all the action and 3D explosions and looking for something lighter. Another positive aspect going for the movie is its director Will Gluck, who hit gold last September with the Emma Stone led romantic comedy “Easy A.” Audiences really responded both Stone and Gluck, which could help influence audiences to see “Benefits.”

Previewed next week: "Cowboys & Aliens," "Crazy, Stupid, Love." &  "The Smurfs"