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Here's a look at this week's new films.

Captain America

Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, and Tommy Lee Jones

Synopsis: In this Golden Age of superhero movies, there seems to be a story out there for everyone. The hero tales come dark and moody, disconnected from reality and a little too patriotic depending on the project and the source material. “Captain America,” predictably, falls into the latter category. One of the original Marvel properties, and one of the most iconic, poor Captain America had to wait a long time to get his chance at the 21st Century spotlight. In a film that’s loaded with special effects, set during World War II and designed as a prelude to next summer’s “Avengers” film, “Captain America” provides insight and an origin story for the most patriotic of heroes. Director Joe Johnston has led a group of varied projects over the years. He directed more family-oriented films like “Jumanji” and “October Sky,” but recently offered darker fare like 2010’s “Wolfman.” With “Captain America” he shoots for a blend of action and patriotism that makes this film the quintessential American summer blockbuster. Evans — no stranger to superhero films after playing Johnny Storm in the “Fantastic Four” films — does a nice job of filling Captain America’s boots. He’s dutiful, driven and brave, all the qualities that Erskine was looking for when he choose Steve to undergo the procedure. Predictably this film includes as romantic subplot — with growing attraction between Steve and Agent Carter. It takes a little too long to develop and feels a little too pointless given the bookends of this film, but Atwell does a decent job in the role. Weaving — who played Agent Smith in “The Matrix” films — does a nice job of channeling a megalomaniacal bad guy as Red Skull. Though special effects and makeup certainly help him craft the look, he does a good job of inhabiting the character. This isn’t the best or most original of Marvel films, but it’s entertaining. The story, at times, is too effects-driven and overly patriotic, but it fits with the world being established. There’s nothing particularly compelling about the film, but it accomplishes all it promises to do. The film also serves as a fitting introduction for the character and a great bridge to the connection of a group of Marvel heroes — including Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury. For those that are excited for next summer’s “Avengers” film, you’d be well-served to wait until the end of the credits for “Captain America.”

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Friends With Benefits

Starring: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Woody Harrelson, Patricia Clarkson, and Jenna Elfman

About: This is the second movie in 2011 that centers around the idea of a pair of "friends" deciding to enter a purely physical relationship to meet their "needs" while remaining friends. If you find that idea as repugnant as I do, you're probably not too thrilled that this seems to be the new set-up for romantic comedies. It was stupid in January when Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher tried it with "No Strings Attached," and it's stupid now. That being said, it's hard to hate this movie totally because of the charisma of the leading actors. I have read a few articles about Timberlake is not a great actor. I don't know what to think. I've liked him in everything I've seen him do, but that could be because I think he's charismatic, funny, and has chosen relatively safe roles for himself. That's certainly the case here. Timberlake has good comic timing, as does Kunis, and that works well for them with this movie. Though the plot is predictable (and it's essentially the same story as "No Strings Attached") it works a little better here because of the lead performers. It's impossible not to be charmed by Timberlake — who has a number of funny sequences. And Kunis is the perfect foil. With some interesting supporting roles played by Harrelson, Clarkson, Elfman, and Richard Jenkins, the characters draw you into a story that you're not totally sold on. The ending is predictable, but cute in its own way. Basically, the charisma of the lead actors is what carries the day.

Rating: R for some violent content and brief sexuality.

Verdict: Three stars out of four (I give it a light three because of the performers).

Winnie The Pooh

Featuring the Voice Talents of: Jim Cummings, John Cleese, Craig Ferguson, and Huell Howser

Synopsis: This is a classic Disney cartoon in every sense. It has a wonderful animated short (about the Loch Ness Monster) at the start, it features familiar characters in a familiar story, and it features traditional, hand-drawn animation. Listen, the story here isn't a mystery. The dialogue, jokes, and story isn't complex. But this feels like putting on a warm, comfortable, familiar blanket. It feels right to see Winnie the Pooh back with his friends, engaging in mis-adventures, and searching out honey in the Hundred Acre Wood. In an era of edgy cartoons trying to attract adults and kids that come from a media saturated era, this feels like a throw-back in the best sense.

Rating: G

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

July 29 — "Cowboys and Aliens," "Crazy, Stupid Love," "The Smurfs"

August 5 — "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "The Change Up"

August 12 — "The Help," "30 Minutes or Less," "Final Destination 5," "Glee: The Concert Movie 3D"

August 19 — "Fright Night," "Conan The Barbarian," "One Day," "Spy Kids 4"

August 26 — "Our Idiot Brother," "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," "Columbiana"