Red, white, new

The barrage of superhero flicks continues with the summer actioner “Captain America: The First Avenger,” about Marvel Comics’ iconic, flag-draped World War II patriot. Chris Evans’ second Marvel superhero role, his umpteenth genre character portrayal, is a snug fit, impressively resembling the indomitable Steve Rogers from the source material.

Captain America’s origin is generally faithful to the lore, enough to make the fanboys happy, but accessibly told for the non-comic readers: Steve was a lanky weakling, patriotic but severely limited by his own body. Strengthened by the experimental serum developed by a genius German scientist (Stanley Tucci), Steve is given the Captain America identity, and eventually proves himself a formidable fighter and strategist. He later comes face to face with the Nazi madman Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), wielder of arcane weaponry.

Joe Johnston’s “Captain America” has heart and focus, both absent in the recent “Green Lantern,” but like “Thor,” the action sequences could’ve gone longer and better. The Red Skull’s Hydra henchmen, with their generic stormtrooper look and scifi technology, seem plucked from the “G.I. Joe” movie, and don’t exactly make for great action adversaries. The hero’s fight with the Skull lacks complex choreography and impact, as well.

Cast-wise, it’s competent: Tommy Lee Jones as the scene-stealing Col. Phillips and Hayley Atwell as feisty Peggy Carter both have complementary rapports with Evans. Sebastian Stan is also capable as Cap’s sidekick Bucky; the character isn’t the costumed “mascot” here, but is also a fine fighter. Tucci is sublime as always, and Dominic Cooper’s brief but memorable appearance as Howard Stark (Iron Man’s future daddy) charms.

“X-Men: First Class” is still the best comic book movie of the year, unquestionably. “Captain America” is much less dramatic and involving, but it’s mostly a decent and fun flick. And yes, stay and check out the “Avengers” teaser trailer after the credits.