Captain America: Brave New World Review
Marvel movies no longer generate the same level of excitement they once did, but being a Marvel film, I still felt a spark of anticipation as I headed to the theater. A few months ago, Deadpool & Wolverine was released, but since it hasn’t fully integrated into the MCU, it felt more like a standalone film. However, the title Captain America: Brave New World carried an irresistible sense of expectation. Especially with Sam Wilson officially stepping into the role of Captain America after The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, I was eager to see how his character would be portrayed on the big screen.
Sam Wilson as Captain America: Expectation vs. Reality
To be frank, Sam Wilson’s Captain America didn’t resonate with me as much as I had hoped. When Steve Rogers passed the shield to Sam at the end of Avengers: Endgame, some fans criticized the decision, claiming it was a result of political correctness rather than narrative necessity. However, I had no issue with it. Someone had to carry on the mantle, and Sam seemed like the most fitting candidate. In fact, I thought the idea of passing the title down, much like in the comics, was a reasonable approach. However, upon actually seeing Sam as Captain America in his own movie, I found his presence less compelling than I had anticipated.
Cinematic Style and Comparison to The Winter Soldier
Structurally, Brave New World closely resembles Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It almost feels as though the script was crafted with the intent of creating a Sam Wilson version of The Winter Soldier, incorporating a cold, espionage-driven narrative and emphasizing raw, hand-to-hand combat over the usual superhero spectacle. The film also follows a familiar three-person team dynamic. However, this doesn’t mean Brave New World reaches the same level as The Winter Soldier. Given the current state of Marvel, it’s clear that achieving such a level of quality would be challenging. Still, the movie maintains a certain level of competence, ensuring at least a minimal degree of satisfaction.
MCU Connectivity: A Prerequisite of Prior Knowledge
One of the film’s major drawbacks is its reliance on prior MCU knowledge. To fully grasp the significance of Brave New World, audiences need to have seen multiple past entries in the franchise. The presence of Tiamut, for example, requires familiarity with Eternals. Watching The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is essential, and even The Incredible Hulk—a movie released 17 years ago—plays a significant role. Viewers unfamiliar with these elements may find themselves confused throughout the movie.
That said, I appreciated how Brave New World actively revisits The Incredible Hulk. It was intriguing to see how President Thaddeus Ross took center stage, with references to his estranged relationship with his daughter, along with the reappearance of Samuel Sterns, aka Mister Blue. However, these elements ultimately detract from the film’s focus on Sam Wilson, preventing him from being the clear central figure of the story.
Action and Characters, but a Lack of a Strong Villain
Despite its shortcomings, the film excels in action and character dynamics. From the opening sequence, the action is gripping and reminiscent of The Winter Soldier, particularly with the aerial combat sequences and Sam’s strategic use of his new Wakandan-enhanced wingsuit. The mid-air battle in the latter half of the film is a highlight, making it well worth a rewatch. Additionally, the chemistry between Sam and the new Falcon provides an unexpectedly strong emotional core.
However, not all characters are utilized effectively. For instance, Ruth, who seems intended to fill a role akin to Black Widow’s in The Winter Soldier, lacks the presence needed to heighten tension. Furthermore, the film’s primary antagonist, Sidewinder, fails to leave a lasting impact. His motivations and schemes lack the grandeur required to create true stakes, making the conflict feel less intense compared to The Winter Soldier, where the central mystery and antagonist were deeply interwoven into the plot.
Conclusion: Falls Short of Expectations but Still Worth Watching
Compared to recent Marvel films, Brave New World is among the more watchable entries. Given how many MCU films have disappointed audiences in recent years, even delivering a moderate level of entertainment feels like an achievement. However, the decision to reveal Red Hulk in the trailers was ultimately a misstep. Many viewers spent the entire movie anticipating his transformation, only to find that his role didn’t live up to expectations, resulting in more disappointment than excitement.
In summary, Brave New World is an enjoyable film for MCU fans but lacks the depth needed to solidify Sam Wilson’s identity as the new Captain America. If the movie had placed greater emphasis on his journey and character development, it could have been far more impactful. While the film meets a basic level of competence, it falls short of rekindling the magic that defined Marvel’s golden era.
