Zookeeper (PG)

H

Dir: Frank Coraci

With: Kevin James, Rosario Dawson

IF we could talk to the animals would the result be as dull as this creature-featuring comedy? Kevin James seems a likeable enough ball of comedy lard but with this, The Dilemma and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (in which James and his pal Adam Sandler posed as a gay couple to win employment benefits – oh, my sides), his career is on the down escalator. Here, James plays Griffin, an unlucky in love zookeeper who is trying to win back his pushy ex (Leslie Bibb) while not noticing the real prize under his eyes is Kate the vet (Rosario Dawson). James presses some famous chums into service to supply the voices of the zoo animals who give Griffin advice. While there’s a certain mild amusement to be had in listening to Sly Stallone finding his inner lion and Nick Nolte growling like a bear while playing a gorilla, there’s hee-haw in the way of laughs.

Captain America: The First Avenger 3D (12A)

HHH

Dir: Joe Johnston

With: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell

CAPTAIN America is the second Marvel superhero this summer to be dusted off, or defrosted, in preparation for the forthcoming Avengers movie. As with Thor, it’s an origins story and a precursor to Joss Whedon’s star-studded 2012 extravaganza. But it feels straitjacketed by both. Joe Johnston does inject a Boy’s Own bravado into the tale of how Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) transforms from puny would-be hero into World War II super soldier, before being transported to the present day. And he benefits from a hugely charismatic Evans and strong support from Hayley Atwell, Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones as well as a nice sense of era (much like he did with The Rocketeer). But his action scenes lack the excitement of Indiana Jones, Hugo Weaving’s villain is too one-dimensional and after establishing its leading character well, his film feels like it’s rushing to be someplace else. Adjust your expectations accordingly. (Reviewed by Rob Carnevale)