Reviews round-up for Captain America: The First Avenger and Friends With Benefits, and MSN FilmFan video insights.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER is Marvel Studio’s fifth movie. They say Raiders of the Lost Ark is a strong influence on the film, not least because they hope it won’t feel like a period piece. Personally it reminds me more of the Wolfenstein game series. Foreign territories were given a choice of the official title or dropping the ‘Captain America’ part. The three countries that chose to remove it were Russia, South Korea, and Ukraine. China only allows 20 foreign films a year so it was never getting in. Here’s what the critics are saying -

New York Times –

“Pretty good fun… It is enjoyably preposterous, occasionally touching, generally likable and has an earnest spirit. . Hugo Weaving, with noseless face and a classic Hollywood ‘Chermann’ accent, is a fine nemesis, and the movie is well stocked with colorful supporting players.”

Hollywood Reporter –

“…Delivers comic book action that should satisfy Captain America’s fans, old and new, while Chris Evans’ gives a no-nonsense yet engaging portrayal. …But it’s a little too simplistic and routine. …It lacks the deft touch, appealing character interaction and sophisticated storytelling skills of X-Men: First Class. And let’s not even bother to compare this to Chris Nolan’s Batman series.”

Captain America: The First Avenger currently holds a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to 20% for the 1990 version.

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS was fast-tracked partly because the studio feared it would lose its title to January’s No Strings Attached, which was called the same thing when they started their race. The movie also imitates Scream in that the lead characters are big film fans and know they are in a horror romantic comedy. It’s rated ‘R’ so be warned you’re going to probably see Justin Timberlake’s ass. Here’s what the critics are saying -

USA Today –

“Better than most rom-coms, as it satirizes and repurposes the genre. But its brisk pace stumbles while establishing its rhythm, switching from raunchy to silly to heartfelt, almost as if in sections. It feels as if the film is not comfortable in its own skin, particularly in the verbally raunchy scenes. Director Will Gluck tries to strike a similarly breezy tone as he did in last year’s Easy A. But Friends doesn’t come off as deftly.”

LA Times –

“Satisfying for the most part. Except when things turn serious. Has rat-a-tat verbal parries so rapid you really must pay attention and so raw the R-rating is definitely earned. Both Timberlake and Kunis are proving to be very appealing actors, with a lot of talent to boot. Neither of them take themselves too seriously here.”

Friends With Benefits holds a 66% rating on RT, compared to 49% for No Strings Attached.

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