Review: Captain America: Brave New World.

The latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Brave New World, sees Anthony Mackie take center stage as Sam Wilson, the new bearer of the shield. Following the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, this film marks his first solo outing as Captain America, a role that carries heavy expectations. Does Brave New World rise to the challenge, or does it falter under the weight of its ambitions?

A Political Thriller with Superhero Action

Marvel has always infused its films with political and social undertones, and Brave New World is no exception. The story attempts to channel the espionage-driven intrigue of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, while also setting up new dynamics within the post-Blip world. However, the execution is somewhat uneven, with moments of brilliance occasionally bogged down by convoluted storytelling and an overabundance of characters.

Anthony Mackie’s Time to Shine

Mackie delivers a strong performance as Sam Wilson, embracing his role as Captain America with a sense of responsibility and determination. His portrayal is grounded, bringing a fresh perspective to the iconic character. Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam’s Captain America is not a super-soldier, which adds an interesting vulnerability to his fight sequences. The action remains high-octane, but there’s a distinct shift in how battles play out, relying more on strategy and agility rather than sheer strength.

The Supporting Cast and Villains

Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a role previously played by the late William Hurt. Ford’s presence brings gravitas to the film, and his interactions with Sam Wilson add depth to the story’s political backdrop. One of the film’s most talked-about moments is Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk—a spectacle that, while visually impressive, feels somewhat shoehorned into an already packed narrative.

The film also introduces new antagonists, though their motivations and impact on the story are less compelling than previous Marvel villains. This is where Brave New World stumbles; its attempt to juggle multiple storylines and characters leads to moments where the pacing suffers.

Action and Cinematic Scope

Director Julius Onah brings a slick, modern aesthetic to the film, with action sequences that balance practical stunts with CGI-heavy moments. While the set pieces are entertaining, they lack the visceral intensity of The Winter Soldier. Some action sequences feel overly choreographed, diminishing the grounded realism that made previous Captain America films stand out.

Final Verdict

Captain America: Brave New World is an entertaining yet flawed addition to the MCU. It successfully establishes Sam Wilson as a worthy successor to Steve Rogers, but its bloated narrative and uneven pacing hold it back from reaching the heights of its predecessors. While there are standout performances and thrilling action sequences, the film ultimately feels like a stepping stone rather than a fully realized chapter in the franchise.

Rating: 6️⃣/🔟