Anthony Mackie is Great Civil War Captain America; Harrison Ford is Scene Stealer; Here’s Why You Must Watch (and What Doesn’t Work)!
Marvel fans, rejoice! Captain America: Brave New World is upon us, bringing with it a new wave of action, drama, and political intrigue to the MCU. Directed by Julius Onah and featuring Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, the film represents a major pivot for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But does it fulfill the legacy of its predecessors? So let’s get into the highs, the lows, and all that’s in-between!
Plot Overview: A worldwide crisis, a new hero
SPREAD OUT: The film takes place after Avengers: Endgame, with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) fully taking on the mantle of Captain America. Upon discovering a new and mighty metal — adamantium — on a mysterious Indian Ocean island, the world falls into a geopolitical crisis. Countries are competing for control, and President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) recruits Sam to work toward peace. But when a mind-control plot threatens to upend global politics, Sam has to play both hero and diplomat14.
What Works: The Good Stuff
Anthony Mackie Is a Bright Spot: As much as Sam is the heir to the shield and the mantle, Mackie, too, stepped into the role after Chris Evans’ seemingly beloved portrayal of Steve Rogers and making his own mark. His onscreen chemistry with Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon) is electric4
Harrison Ford as Red Hulk: Ford is a great standout as Thaddeus Ross. Furthermore, his becoming Red Hulk is as exhilarating as it is heartbreaking based on its new context79.
Political Thrills: The movie has the same paranoia and intrigue as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, with its government conspiracies and ethical quandaries812.
Aerial battles and hand-to-hand combat, the action is crisp, well-choreographed, and visually captivating413.
What Doesn’t Work: Missed Opportunities
Overstuffed Plot: The film juggles so many storylines — mind control, geopolitical tensions and character arcs — that some feel underbaked49.
Villain Problems: The villain Tim Blake Nelson plays (Samuel Sterns) never feels that threatening, or deep for that matter, 0/10.
Pacing Problems: At times the narrative feels rushed, notably in the second half, where key moments could stand to be given more breathing room813.
The Heart of It All: Sam Wilson’s Journey
The center of all of Brave New World is the Sam Wilson found himself trying to define what it means to be Captain America. Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam lacks super-soldier serum or decades of experience. He’s a regular guy entering extraordinary shoes, and the movie does a fair job of tracking both his self-doubt and his endurance49.
The Shifting Context: What It Means for the MCU
This film lays groundwork for the next phase of the MCU, as it reintroduces characters like Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) and hints at future storylines. It’s a bridge between the past and the future, but it feels like Marvel is playing it safe rather than going out on a limb814.
Conclusion: Should You Give It a Watch?
When Captain America: Brave New World enters theaters on July 26, it may join the ranks of a solid addition to the MCU —although, with standard action, good acting, and a take on the superhero genre. Though it falters with pacing and a villain, it’s a must-see nonetheless for Marvel devotees. To casual viewers, it’s an enjoyable ride, though at times it may seem like déjà vu.
