An underwhelming addition to the Marvel canon.

Rating: Null/10 (5 August 2011)

Marvel's third blockbuster this year – after Thor and X-Men: First Class – is an underwhelming addition to the superhero canon. There's nothing overtly bad about it, it's just that none of the elements seem to gel. Chris Evans makes for a decent hero, however his Cap doesn't have the same charisma as, say, Thor or Tony Stark. The action scenes are sufficient, no more no less; the film is lacking any truly outstanding set pieces, although the fight sequences are well choreographed (with good use of slow-mo). The major drawback is the weakness of the sci-fi plot against a WWII backdrop. Its shortcomings are felt mostly with Hugo Weaving's villain, Red Skull, and his futuristic resources; the whole concept failing to feel right. Footnote for Marvel fans: stay until after the end credits.