New Movies to Crave: Can The First Avenger top the Final Potter?

By Chris Kavan - 07/22/11 at 11:52 AM CT

As Harry Potter officially became the highest-grossing franchise of all time (surpassing Star Wars in terms of gross, but not attendance) it leads to showdown this weekend.

1) Stepping up to the plate with be Captain America: The First Avenger. Chris Evans will become the next piece of the Avenger puzzle when he transforms into the patriotic super hero. He will take on Hugo Weaving as Red Skull. Yet will it be enough to stop Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 2? I've always viewed Captain America as one of the weaker super hero films. While I don't think it can be as bad as Green Lantern, from the previews it doesn't instill much confidence in me. I think this weekend is going to be a lot closer and at this point could go either way.

2) The other major release this week is the Justin Timberlake / Mila Kunis romantic comedy Friends with Benefits. Or should I say the anti-romantic comedy, as it appears it will avoid most of the pitfalls of the genre and try something a bit more daring. It will also try to extend the winning streak of R-rated comedies, joining The Hangover Part II, Bridesmaids, Bad Teacher and Horrible Bosses as certified hits. It helps that it has a relatively modest $30 million budget. I expect it to post decent numbers.

3) I can't leave without pushing a limited-release film that, at least to me, sounds hilarious and entertaining. William Shatner goes on a road trip and interviews the various actors (and an actress) who have at one time or another, portrayed the captains in the Star Trek universe. Just the idea alone sounds like it would be fun, and I'm hoping it takes that kind of fun yet informative approach. I make no fact to hide I'm an ardent Star Wars fan, but I have nothing against Star Trek at all - and this looks like a good time.

I'll be back Sunday to report on whether a super hero or super wizard will take the top spot.

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