The film spends a healthy first act on Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) as the digitally shrunken 90 lb. weakling. It establishes Rogers’ nobility and sincerity well so that you’re really proud of him when he becomes the super soldier, instead of resenting Evans for having such impressive abs.

'Captain America' Trailer: Still No Sympathy For Nazis

The ‘40s World War II setting does a lot to enhance the sense of wonder of a comic book movie. You really get to live in a fantasy world, with old New York City and a World’s Fair-esque Stark expo. The idea of Captain America first used as a marketing tool to sell war bonds makes the period really engaging. You get to see production numbers and the patriotism feels innocent when it’s WWII.

Supporting characters shine in this section too. Col. Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones) is hardass deadpan funny. Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) never overdoes it as a potential love interest. The movie never really allows Rogers to enjoy his new ladies man status, but at least Carter isn’t reduced to an object.

6 photosHayley Atwell

Meanwhile Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) is so evil that the Nazis are too small time for him, so he starts his own Hydra party. Eventually we have to stop having fun so Rogers can rescue the troops Schmidt captured, expose him as Red Skull and fight bigger and badder opponents.

The action is actually not Captain America’s strong suit. A lot of it looks obviously green screen. I mean, when there are miles and miles of factory or warehouse behind them, I know they didn’t build that set. That makes a chase scene lack any feeling of distance. There are no knockdown, drag-out fights. Each confrontation has one gag that the enemy tries against Cap, and then he solves it.

It’s still fun to see the Steve Rogers we know is all heart finally get a body to match. His first foot chase through New York has the thrill of discovering his own strength, along with a few goofy jumps from car to car. A train sequence is well constructed, though still 50/50 fake looking. The montage really highlights all of Cap’s moves, and plenty of lame CG shots too, but it showcases his powers and there could be a whole other movie in those WWII missions.

I enjoyed the film overall, I’m just explaining why it’s not quite Spider-Man, or X-Men: First Class or even Iron Man. But if the fans of Iron Man can forgive a 15 minute flashback including a Powerpoint presentation of Stark family backstory, they should love Captain America equally, flaws and all.

A word from Hayley: “The real me is a loner, a nerd, and a bit overweight.”

The Bourne Ultimatum‘s Edgar Ramirez and Prince Of Persia‘s Toby Kebbell are in advanced talks to join the unnecessary sequel. Kebbell will play Poseidon’s son, Agenor. Ramirez’s role is unspecified, so let’s just make up a name that sounds mythological. He will play Percertorious. Yeah. I like the sound of that.

Also, considering dressing up in stupid wardrobe for the project is the awesome Bill Nighy, Hayley Atwell, and Clemence Poesy. If they can act with a straight face, they’re shoe-ins. (Deadline and The Wrap)

We’re getting late word tonight that Captain America: The First Avenger has picked up actor Tommy Lee Jones. The pickup allegedly took place in the bathroom stall of a "superhero bar" where Captain America was trolling for actors.

During a recent interview, Actress Hayley Atwell, who co-stars in the film, confirmed that Jones is on board with the project. Although his actual role has not been announced, experts (i.e. my 28-year-old cousin who still lives in my aunt’s basement) speculate that Jones will star as General Chester Phillips, the officer who chooses Steve Rogers for the super soldier program. Dork-a-licious! (Coming Soon)

Well, now I look like a liar again. Awesome. Previous reports that Alice Eve was the front-runner to play Peggy Carter in Captain America were proved bunk today. The role will officially go to Hayley Atwell, a young British actress best known for her appearance in The Duchess and for accepting Marvel’s small payday.

Personally, I blame Captain America himself for all of the back and forth. His hesitancy to just hurry up and just pick a girlfriend lead to this. If he had followed my advice and agreed to have his own "Bachelor"-esque reality show, this would have been much easier on everyone.

And we would have got to see Emily Blunt in a bikini. (THR)