Captain America: Brave New World Review – Sam Wilson’s struggle soars, but the shield feels heavy

2.5/5

Captain America: Brave New World Story: The world is now on the other side of the Blip and Celestial emergence in the Indian Ocean, as America has chosen Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) as the newly elected President of the USA. Ross now wants to work with Captain America, aka Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), who brings with him the enthusiastic sidekick from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), who now carries the Falcon mantle. When an attack on the President frames Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) as the culprit, Captain America must uncover the real perpetrator and save his friend.

Captain America: Brave New World Review

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has now transitioned into two formats—over thirty movies and numerous shows that are increasingly difficult to keep track of. Expecting audiences to study all of that material before stepping into the cinema for a two-hour film is a commitment that few can afford and none should be required to make. And if the film that demands this preparation turns out to be underwhelming, who compensates for the viewer’s time? Captain America: Brave New World, while undeniably crucial to the MCU’s future, unfortunately, falls into this exact trap. Let’s break down how.

Directed and co-written by Julius Onah, with Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and a few others on the writing team, Brave New World demands extensive preparation, requiring audiences to have seen both Hulk movies (including Edward Norton’s version), all three Captain America solo films, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series on Disney+. For those who have, the film offers a quick refresher through character introductions, skipping a montage build-up or a slow start. Instead, we dive straight in, on the day Thaddeus Ross wins the election and refers to Betty as his daughter—just to remind audiences who she is in the MCU. The film takes off immediately without unnecessary exposition. 

What it does focus on is establishing early tension, and it does so effectively. A shadowy villain manipulates people’s minds, shifting the tide of power. Brave New World makes a commendable, though not entirely successful, attempt to reintroduce the mature tone that many fans have longed for. That moment when John Walker killed a man in broad daylight felt like an assassination of Captain America’s legacy. Steve Rogers, standing up after every punch, symbolized the resilience we all believed in. He led his team through two alien invasions, embodying hope and friendship—his legacy was a movement in itself.

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Brave New World attempts to recapture that spirit. The challenge of forging a new Captain America under the lingering shadow of the old one is immense. The fact that Sam Wilson lacks super-serum-enhanced strength, making him as vulnerable as any ordinary soldier, only enhances his relatability. Anthony Mackie conveys this internal struggle brilliantly, embodying the weight of his role. "I will never be Steve" is not just a line—it’s an emotion woven into his performance. But Captain America films have always balanced heroism with humor, developing their titular character and the world around him in tandem.

Brave New World does the opposite. It develops the world, using it as a backdrop for Captain America rather than allowing him to shape it. This results in Thaddeus Ross receiving more character development than Sam Wilson, leaving Sam’s arc feeling stagnant. Steve Rogers' growth across three films made them iconic. Brave New World lacks that essential progression. While character worship is often debated today, certain heroes deserve it, and Captain America is undeniably one of them. A Superman or a Captain America cannot take a backseat—no matter the universe.

One thing the film does get right is the Red Hulk. While the CGI is impressive, it’s Harrison Ford’s performance that truly shines. As an aging army man turned President, grappling with the pain of estrangement from his daughter, Ford delivers a performance filled with gravitas. He seeks redemption, but his rage—both personal and Gamma-induced—prevents him from controlling the very anger he’s long been known for. Ford is a stellar addition. Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, an ex-Widow from the Red Room, is a promising character, and her role, along with Danny Ramirez’s Falcon, leaves us wanting more.

Anthony Mackie’s natural charm is evident, but the character’s rigid development forces him into a disciplined, almost monotonous portrayal. There’s little room for him to shine, and the script fails to inject humor into the serious moments, leading to a flat emotional trajectory. Brave New World borrows elements from The First Avenger, The Winter Soldier, and Civil War—but only their structure, not their soul. The film revisits familiar ground, yet fails to land those crucial moments with the same impact. As a result, one begins to question whether borrowing those plot devices was the right choice in the first place.

Sam Wilson is now tasked with reuniting the Avengers. Hopefully, that storyline will allow him to emerge as a true leader—not just in name, but in presence.

Captain America: Brave New World: Final Verdict

There were numerous directions Captain America: Brave New World could have explored, yet it chooses to be a minimal-impact vehicle, setting up future narratives rather than making its own mark. The MCU has set its rock-bottom low enough that audiences are now compelled to celebrate films that barely reach the mid-tier. The finish line needs to be redefined.

Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters on February 14, 2025. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this film and everything else from the world of streaming and cinema.

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