Image Credit: X account @MarvelStudios
Captain America: Brave New World – A Decent Watch, but Lacks the Punch of Its Predecessors
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Walking into Captain America: Brave New World, I was excited to see how Marvel would handle Sam Wilson’s journey as the new Captain America. By the time the credits rolled, I found myself in a bit of a mixed spot. While the film delivers some enjoyable action and a solid performance from Anthony Mackie, it doesn’t quite carry the same weight as past Captain America films. Still, for the love of Marvel and everything it has built over the years, it’s a watchable addition to the franchise.
Anthony Mackie Steps Up
One thing that stands out is Mackie’s commitment to the role. He doesn’t try to mimic Chris Evans—he brings his own approach to Captain America, one that feels grounded and human. After the movie, I struck up a conversation with a guy who had been sitting a few rows ahead of me. “Mackie really gives it his all,” he said. “You can tell he respects the role and what it means.” Another person chimed in, “I was worried about how they’d handle Cap without Steve Rogers, but Mackie holds his own.”
While some still feel nostalgic for Evans’ portrayal, there’s a growing acceptance of Wilson stepping into the spotlight. He’s not a super-soldier, and that makes his journey feel different—but that doesn’t mean it’s less compelling.
A Story That Plays It Safe
One of the biggest letdowns for me was the storyline. The political intrigue had potential, and with Harrison Ford stepping in as President Thaddeus Ross, I expected a gripping narrative. But as the film progressed, it felt like I had seen this all before. When I mentioned this outside the theater, a group nearby was having a similar discussion. “It was predictable,” one of them admitted. “They could have taken more risks, but it felt like a rehashed version of other Marvel plots.”
Another person I spoke to added, “I was hoping for something on the level of The Winter Soldier, but this just didn’t hit the same.” The film doesn’t lack action, but the stakes never felt as high as they should have. I kept waiting for that one game-changing moment, but it never really came.
Action and Characters Keep It Afloat
The action sequences are entertaining, though nothing groundbreaking. The combination of Sam Wilson’s flight skills with the shield leads to some visually cool moments. The theater had a few bursts of excitement when Wilson pulled off some mid-air combat, and I heard someone behind me say, “That was badass.”
The supporting cast adds some weight, with Joaquin Torres stepping in as the new Falcon and Isaiah Bradley’s continued presence giving some emotional depth. However, a few people felt that some returning characters—like Betty Ross and The Leader—were underutilized. “They brought them back just to do nothing with them?” one person questioned as we left the theater.
What My Fellow Moviegoers Thought
Reactions from those around me were mixed. Some left satisfied, enjoying it for what it was, while others walked out with a shrug.
“It was a fun watch, but nothing I’d rush to see again.”
“Sam Wilson deserves better. Mackie is doing a great job, but the script needed more weight.”
“Marvel movies feel a little too safe now. There were no real surprises.”
These conversations pretty much summed up how I felt. There’s a lot to appreciate, especially if you’re a longtime Marvel viewer, but it doesn’t break new ground.
Final Verdict: Worth a Watch, but Not a Must-See
At the end of the day, Captain America: Brave New World is a decent addition to the MCU. It’s enjoyable enough, especially if you’re invested in Sam Wilson’s journey, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impact. The action is solid, Mackie delivers, but the story never truly soars.
If you’re a longtime Marvel follower, you’ll probably find enough here to make it worth your time. Just don’t expect the kind of depth and surprises that made The Winter Soldier or Civil War stand out.
