'Captain America: Brave New World' Movie Review: Avenge-meh Franchise Fatigue

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In Captain America: Brave New World, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) faces his most challenging mission yet when a routine meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) thrusts him into a dangerous international conspiracy. As a global threat emerges that could destabilize world order, Sam must race against time to uncover a nefarious plot that threatens to push the entire world to the brink of chaos.

With the weight of Captain America’s legacy on his shoulders, Sam navigates and finds himself battling a mysterious mastermind whose ultimate goal could forever transform the global political map. Joined by Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) and a cast of unexpected allies, Sam must prove he’s worthy of the shield and capable of protecting a world that’s watching his every move.

Check out the trailer below.

Captain America: Brave New World Movie Trailer

Captain America: Brave New World Movie Review: What I Liked and Didn’t Like

When Anthony Mackie first picked up Captain America’s shield in Avengers: Endgame, fans were hopeful for a fresh, dynamic take on the iconic hero. Captain America: Brave New World arrives with immense expectations, promising to explore Sam Wilson’s journey as the new Sentinel of Liberty. Unfortunately, the film falls frustratingly short of those expectations, delivering a muddled and uninspired superhero experience that feels more like a contractual obligation than a meaningful character evolution.

The film opens with Sam Wilson struggling to fill the monumental shoes left by Steve Rogers. This internal conflict could have been a compelling narrative thread, but the script treats it as mere window dressing. Instead, we’re thrust into a convoluted political thriller that bears an uncomfortable resemblance to The Winter Soldier – a comparison that does this new chapter no favors.

The Script

The plot itself is a narrative mess. What should be a politically charged exploration of a Black superhero navigating systemic challenges becomes a generic action movie with surface-level commentary. Themes of racism and governmental accountability are introduced but never meaningfully explored. The film seems more concerned with checking diversity boxes than telling a genuinely compelling story.

The screenplay’s biggest sin is its derivative nature. Rather than charting a new course for Captain America, the film retreads familiar ground. The conspiracy involving mind-controlled soldiers and government corruption feels like a pale imitation of previous Marvel flicks. It’s a safe, uninspired approach that does a disservice to Mackie’s potential as a lead actor.

The Performances

That being said, Mackie’s performance stands as the film’s brightest spot. He brings a nuanced vulnerability to Sam Wilson, capturing the weight of stepping into a legendary role. His portrayal suggests a hero still finding his footing, navigating both personal doubts and external challenges. When the script allows him moments of genuine character exploration, the film briefly sparks to life.

Harrison Ford, making his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as President Thaddeus Ross, provides a welcome dose of gravitas. His performance hints at deeper political machinations, but the script never fully explores these potentially interesting dynamics. Ford seems to be operating in a different, more sophisticated movie than the one surrounding him.

The supporting cast offers glimmers of potential, particularly Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres/Falcon. Ramirez injects energy and charisma into his limited screen time, reminding viewers of the MCU’s earlier, more nimble storytelling approach. However, these bright spots are quickly overshadowed by the film’s fundamental structural problems.

The Visual Effects

Visually, Brave New World also disappointed me. The CGI feels unfinished and distracting, with action sequences that lack the weight and imagination of previous Marvel titles. Red Hulk’s design looks particularly artificial, pulling viewers out of potentially exciting moments. It’s a technical regression that feels out of step with Marvel’s typically high production standards.

And the action sequences, typically a Marvel stronghold, feel flat and, again, uninspired. Aerial combat and hand-to-hand fight scenes lack the kinetic energy we’ve come to expect. It’s as if the film is going through the motions, delivering technically competent but emotionally empty set pieces.

Overall Thoughts

It’s not an outright disaster, but it’s far from the innovative storytelling Marvel has occasionally delivered. The MCU seems to be struggling with franchise fatigue, recycling plot elements, and character arcs instead of taking meaningful risks.

There are moments that hint at a more interesting film. Sam Wilson’s internal struggle with his new role, the political tensions surrounding a Black Captain America, the complex dynamics of governmental superhero management – these could have been fascinating exploration points. Instead, they’re reduced to background noise in a generic action narrative.

For Marvel fans, the film isn’t a complete failure – but it is ripe with disappointment. It’s a reminder that representation isn’t just about casting, but about telling meaningful, complex stories. Anthony Mackie deserves better than this tepid, by-the-numbers superhero adventure.