Marvel Studios’ Captain America Brave New World has finally landed, and while it delivers plenty of action, star power, and MCU connectivity, it struggles to carve out a distinct identity in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Julius Onah and featuring Anthony Mackie’s first solo outing as the new Captain America, the film is a mixed bag of thrilling moments, underdeveloped characters, and a storyline that feels both overstuffed and underwritten.
A New Captain America Takes the Helm
Anthony Mackie steps into the role of Sam Wilson with confidence, cementing his place as the MCU’s new Captain America. After earning the mantle in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Mackie brings charm, gravitas, and a relatable everyman quality to the character. However, the film spends a surprising amount of time revisiting familiar territory, such as Sam’s insecurities about not being a Super Soldier. While these themes were compelling in the Disney+ series, they feel redundant here, slowing down the narrative rather than adding depth.
The story follows Sam as he investigates a conspiracy that threatens to spark a global conflict after President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) is targeted in an attack. The plot is a straightforward political thriller, a departure from the cosmic scale of recent MCU entries, but it struggles to balance its grounded tone with the larger-than-life elements of the Marvel universe.
Harrison Ford Shines as President Ross
One of the film’s brightest spots is Harrison Ford’s portrayal of President Thaddeus Ross. Ford, a Hollywood legend, brings a commanding presence to the role, effortlessly elevating every scene he’s in. His dynamic with Mackie is electric, and their interactions are among the film’s most compelling moments. However, the script doesn’t always give Ford enough material to work with, leaving his character feeling underutilized at times. More screen time in the White House, exploring the political intrigue of the MCU, could have added much-needed depth to the story.
Red Hulk Steals the Show
The film’s action sequences are a highlight, particularly the long-awaited debut of Red Hulk. The rampaging behemoth delivers the kind of high-octane spectacle Marvel fans crave, and his battle with Sam Wilson is a cinematic triumph. Red Hulk’s screen time is more substantial than expected, and his inclusion injects a much-needed dose of chaos and excitement into the otherwise grounded narrative.
Missed Opportunities and Underdeveloped Characters
While the film has its moments, it falters in its handling of several key characters. Tim Blake Nelson’s return as The Leader, a villain last seen in The Incredible Hulk, is a welcome addition, but the character is sorely underutilized. Nelson’s performance is top-notch, but The Leader’s limited screen time and lack of a compelling arc prevent him from becoming a memorable antagonist.
Similarly, Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres feels out of place in the story. As the new Falcon, Torres is primarily relegated to comic relief, and his presence adds little to the narrative. The film would have benefited from pairing Sam with a more dynamic character, such as Bucky Barnes or Isaiah Bradley (played by the ever-impressive Carl Lumbly), to create a richer and more engaging dynamic.
A Frankenstein of a Film
Captain America: Brave New World bears the scars of extensive reshoots and rewrites. While the changes aren’t as glaring as some might expect, the film often feels choppy and uneven, as if pieced together from disparate parts. Director Julius Onah deserves credit for maintaining a consistent tone, but the film’s pacing and structure suffer from its troubled production.
The action sequences, while impressive, lack the visceral impact of Steve Rogers’ battles, largely due to Sam’s lack of Super Soldier abilities. That said, the aerial combat and hand-to-hand fights are well-executed, showcasing Mackie’s physicality and the character’s ingenuity.
Final Verdict
Captain America: Brave New World is a flawed but enjoyable entry in the MCU. It succeeds as an action-packed political thriller with standout performances from Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford, but it struggles to rise above its messy script and underdeveloped characters. While it may not reach the heights of previous Captain America films, it’s a solid start for Sam Wilson’s solo adventures and a reminder of why the MCU remains a dominant force in the genre.
For fans of the franchise, the film is worth watching for its thrilling action, Ford’s magnetic performance, and the long-awaited debut of Red Hulk. However, it’s clear that Marvel Studios needs to refocus on storytelling and character development to keep the MCU fresh and engaging in the Multiverse Saga.
Rating: 7/10
Captain America: Brave New World is now playing in theaters worldwide.
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