Captain America Brave New World

Captain America: Brav

e New World

An Interesting, Exciting Ride in a World of Heavy Expectations

★★★☆☆

A serviceable entry that shines when it stops trying to be a franchise-altering event.

Directed by Julius Onah, Captain America: Brave New World carries the heavy burden of succeeding the massive Deadpool & Wolverine and the critically acclaimed Rogers trilogy. While the production's reported "creative chaos" is visible in some rushed character injections, the film remains an exciting ride. It successfully introduces high-stakes political threads, specifically the global scramble for Adamantium mined from the Tiamut Celestial.

"I believe we, as viewers, should just go back to our initial expectations for Marvel films. Which is just to have a little fun for awhile while watching a story with friends and family."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 MCU Intel

• Captain America: Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson)
• President Thaddeus Ross: Harrison Ford
• Key Support: Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly
• Legacy Tie-in: The Eternals (Tiamut Island)

The Weight of Legacy

Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford both shine, providing the necessary gravitas for a story grappling with the rebuilding of the Avengers. While the military's logic in facing the Red Hulk is questionable, and some supporting characters like those played by Giancarlo Esposito feel underwritten, the film finds its heart in the relationship between Sam and Joaquin Torres. It’s an interesting ride that succeeds if taken at face value rather than as a cinematic masterwork.

💡 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Adamantium Debut: This film marks the official MCU introduction of Adamantium, the metal traditionally associated with Wolverine.
• The Leader Returns: Tim Blake Nelson reprises his role as Samuel Sterns for the first time since 2008's The Incredible Hulk.
• Ford's First Flight: This is Harrison Ford's first appearance in the MCU, taking over the role of "Thunderbolt" Ross following the passing of William Hurt.

✅ Pros

• Strong lead performances from Mackie and Harrison Ford.
• Compelling political world-building regarding Adamantium.
• Emotional core provided by Isiah Bradley and Joaquin Torres.

❌ Cons

• Evidence of "creative tinkering" and awkward plot points.
• Telegraphed "mind control" plot that tests character intelligence.
• Antagonists presented in shadows and quick cuts.

🏆 Final Verdict

Captain America: Brave New World isn't the best in the MCU, but it is certainly not the worst. It’s a fun, exciting blockbuster that rewards those who set aside insurmountable expectations for a simple, solid Marvel story.

View original review on Letterboxd