Adam and Mark Kassen’s Puncture takes two inherently dramatic concepts and can’t find the drama in either.  The story takes the standard underdog-lawyer-vs-evil-corporation yarn and puts a drug addict character in the lead.   But these elements are rendered inert without sharp writing, smart direction, tight pacing, and captivating performances.  The Kassens never find a way to find what’s cinematic and compelling about their promising narrative.

Puncture is a David and Goliath law drama based on the true story of a drug-addicted lawyer who took on a health supply corporation while battling his own personal demons. Mike Weiss (Chris Evans) is a talented young lawyer and functioning drug addict who meets Vicky (Vinessa Shaw), an ER nurse pricked by a needle contaminated with HIV while on the job. As Weiss digs deeper into the case with his longtime friend and partner, Paul Danziger (co-director Mark Kassen), they uncover a health care and pharmaceutical conspiracy and the mounting pressure of the case pushes their business and their friendship to the breaking point.

During a recent exclusive phone interview with Collider, actor Chris Evans talked about how the range of this character was what attracted him to the role, the importance of showing both the brilliance of this guy and how vile he could be, and the experience of working with co-directors, one of whom was also his co-star. He also talked about his current work as Captain America in The Avengers, what it’s like to shoot on the streets of New York with all of the chaotic attention they get, and that there’s no official word yet on when Captain America 2 will start shooting. Check out what he had to say after the jump.

A new clip from the healthcare drama Puncture starring Chris Evans is now available online. Co-directed by brothers Adam and Mark Kassen, the film centers on Mike Weiss (Evans), a young Houston lawyer/drug-addict who takes on a case involving a young nurse (Vinessa Shaw) who is pricked by a contaminated needle on the job. As Weiss digs deeper into the case, he uncovers what looks to be a pharmaceutical conspiracy that may be above his pay grade.

Judging from this clip, I’d say Puncture is a functional drama that is undoubtedly being boosted by Evans’ Captain America fame. Hit the jump to watch the new clip. Click here to check out the film’s trailer. Also starring Brett Cullen and Michael Biehn, Puncture opens on September 23rd.

And you thought Matthew McConaughey was an unconventional lawyer in The Lincoln Lawyer!  He was barely even shirtless in that movie, and when he was, there were no suspenders involved*.  That’s how we’re introduced to Chris Evans’ character in the new trailer for Puncture: shirtless, tattooed, white pants, red tie, black suspenders.  The rest of the clip dives into your typical legal thriller fare, punctuated by the thousandth use of “Lux Aeterna” in a trailer.  But Evans is a charismatic guy, the kind of actor who makes a showcase of a character described as “a talented young Houston lawyer and a functioning drug addict.”

One source lists September 23 for the date of release, a quick turnaround that fits with the realization, “Hey, this movie stars Captain America!”  Brothers Adam and Mark Kassen co-directed the feature; Kassen also co-stars alongside Vinessa Shaw and Brett Cullen.  Hit the jump for the trailer, poster, and official synopsis.

Chris Evans has signed on to star in the Kassen Brothers’ Puncture.  According to Variety, the indie drama follows a brilliant, drug-addicted attorney who must come to terms with his own demons when he sues a healthcare giant.”  The film is currently shooting in Houston and working from a script by Chris Lopata.  Vinessa Shaw (Two Lovers), Mark Kassen, and Brett Cullen (Ghost Rider) will co-star.

Evans will next be seen in The Losers on April 23rd.  He’s also set to star alongside Anna Faris in the romantic comedy What’s Your Number? Oh, and he’s reportedly in the running to play the lead in a mostly-unknown film called The First Avenger: Captain America.  We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the status of What’s Your Number?

[Update: JoBlo says that Evans has already finished filming on this picture]