Following protagonist Steve Rogers’ retirement as Captain America, Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson has now taken on the mantle and responsibility of this hero’s role. “Captain America: Brave New World,” directed by Juliius Ohah, continues Wilson’s journey as Captain America while introducing new characters, expanding Marvel’s political thriller elements and connecting to the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The film opens with an action-packed scene that immediately immerses the audience. Captain America is tasked with tracking down a mysterious buyer in an intense mission set in Mexico. Wilson’s dynamic with Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon, highlights their contrasting roles as an experienced teacher and a trainee.
As the story unfolds, the film introduces several MCU characters, some of whom are familiar to long-time fans. Much of the narrative, however, relies on prior knowledge of Disney+ series such as “She Hulk” and
“Eternals.” One of the film’s key locations, Celestial Island, previously introduced in “Eternals,” serves as a major battleground, though its inclusion does not carry significant narrative weight outside of its MCU connection.
The film also brings back established characters like previous Winter Soldier Bucky Barnes, played by James Buchanan, who now appears as a congressional candidate. His brief role, providing encouragement to Wilson, raises questions about his sudden transition into politics, a shift that is not explained in the movie whatsoever. Similarly, Isaiah Bradley, played by Carl Lumbly, a pivotal character introduced in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”, has a strong presence early on, but is sidelined for the rest of the film.
Continuing this trend, the central antagonist seemed to have ties to both Captain America’s legacy and the President of the United States, Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford. The villain’s motivations stem from past grievances, but their presence in the story is somewhat limited, with their fate only revealed in a post-credit scene.
The pacing of “Brave New World” varies throughout the film. While some scenes, like the first attack on the president, move quickly, others, like the fight between Red Hulk and Captain America are drawn out, which affects the overall flow. Additionally, for experienced MCU viewers, certain plot twists may be too predictable due to familiar narrative patterns from past films. The use of brainwashing and manipulation as key plot devices echoes previous Marvel storylines, making certain developments easier to anticipate.
The film delivers several action scenes, but the execution of visual effects draws mixed reactions. Some CGI and green screen effects appear less polished in comparison to previous Captain America films, which were known for their practical stunt work. This shift in visual style may impact audience immersion, particularly in key fight scenes.
Like many recent Marvel films, “Brave New World” heavily integrates elements from other MCU projects. While this approach rewards dedicated fans, it may pose a challenge for casual viewers. References to events from “She-Hulk,” “Eternals” and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” play a significant role in the film’s world-building, making prior knowledge of these series essential for full comprehension of the movie.
The film hints at the MCU’s future by mentioning the potential return of the Avengers. This aligns with the upcoming “Thunderbolts” film, which was teased in a trailer before “Brave New World.” With “Thunderbolts” set for release in May, it appears that Marvel is laying the groundwork for its next team-up film, potentially reshaping the Avengers’ legacy.
Finally, “Captain America: Brave New World” yet again reduces Black characters to a plot device advancing the narrative of future films instead of allowing them to flourish in stand-alone features. Pacing inconsistencies and underdeveloped character arcs could also affect audience reception. Ultimately, whether this movie is worth watching depends on one’s familiarity with the MCU and expectations for the Captain America legacy. With that in mind, I give the film a 2/5.
