“Captain America: Brave New World” Is a Decent MCU Entry, but Fan Expectations Have Shifted

It’s been a while since the Marvel Cinematic Universe had a major theatrical release, and even longer since a direct sequel. Under normal circumstances, “Captain America: Brave New World” shouldn’t have much to worry about.

However, the film carries an almost impossible weight—Anthony Mackie stepping into the mantle of a beloved hero (Captain America) after Chris Evans’ departure, and Kevin Feige attempting a course correction following the underwhelming post-“Endgame” phase. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this one of the most pressure-laden films in MCU history.

As with most MCU projects, casual viewers—or those who haven’t kept up with the ever-expanding universe—might struggle to keep up. The film pulls from key events in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”, “Eternals”, and even “The Incredible Hulk” (yes, the 2011 film still has relevance).

At the heart of “Brave New World” is a power struggle over adamantium, a newly discovered metal described as even more indestructible than vibranium. The source? Celestial Island—the remains of Tiamut, whose emergence was halted in “Eternals”. Nations are scrambling for control, but the one pulling the strings is newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford, replacing the late William Hurt). As a former general and Secretary of State, Ross is determined to secure the lion’s share of this valuable resource for the United States.

Meanwhile, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is settling into his new role as Captain America. His relationship with Ross is tense but not outright hostile—a dynamic made clear when Ross first calls on him to reform the Avengers, only to remark, “You’re no Steve Rogers.” But the real conflict ignites when an assassination attempt on Ross, orchestrated by the brainwashed “super soldier” Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) and manipulated by returning villain Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), threatens to throw the world into chaos.

The prevailing question for anyone going into “Captain America Brave New World” is “Does Anthony Mackie succeed as Captain America?” The short answer is “not quite.” The long answer is that he’s decent in this role but the charisma that made Chris Evans’ “Cap” such a pop culture darling is simply lacking. And it’s no fault of Mackie’s nor director Julius Onah. Mackie can certainly carry a movie (see “Elevation”) but here, it feels like a hand-me-down rather than a perfect fit.

Speaking of filling in shoes, Harrison Ford more than does justice to the late William Hurt’s portrayal of now-President Ross, going as far as outshining Mackie in his own movie. Rich in substance, character development and the need to tone down his aggression, Ford’s Ross is human and relatable enough that his heat-absorbing Red Hulk form doesn’t compromise that. But there’s the feeling that that’s all what this movie is about: Ross’ unwitting transformation. Much of the film seems more focused on this eventual shift rather than its deeper themes and it’s no doubt a marketing error on Disney’s part for revealing the Red Hulk in the movie’s trailers.

And as far as thematic similarities go, “Captain America: Brave New World” is “Captain America: The Winter Solider” in more ways than one. Best friend remotely controlled by behind-the-scenes enemy? Check. Political-slash-spy thriller? Double check!

Unlike the earlier film though, there’s more CGI in “Brave New World” than a Captain America film needs. Much of it is used to great effect. The “Top Gun”-styled aerial battle between the duo of Sam Wilson and sidekick Joaquin Torres (played by Danny Ramirez) and the Japanese fleet over the Indian Ocean is beautifully crafted. There’s also the Ford’s Red Hulk look which is as graceful, menacing and detailed as any previous version of Bruce Banner. Other times—the third act especially—the infamous MCU green screen is disturbingly noticeable.

By now, the negative word-of-mouth surrounding “Captain America: Brave New World” should be viral and should reasonably cast doubt on the mind of anyone hoping to see the Marvel’s Valentine offering. The latest films from the franchise have been hit-or-miss and made the general audience and the Studio itself reconsider the concept of the “Marvel Formula.” But the truth is that “Captain America: The Brave New World” is no worse than many of the MCU’s previously-hailed outings such as “Captain Marvel,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Put another way, the film is not nearly as bad “The Marvels,” or “Thor: Love and Thunder.” It seems that, following Marvel’s recent woes, the audiences have gotten smarter, or more appropriately, refine their taste.

All this is to say, if you loved and still do, the MCU’s style of filmmaking, you’re likely to do the same for “Captain America: Brave New World.”

Release Date: February 14, 2024

Streaming Service: None, Cinematic Release

Runtime: Approximately two hours

Directed By: Julius Onah

Cast: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Carl Lumbly, Danny Ramirez, Tim Blake Nelson, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Giancarlo Esposito and Liv Tyler.

TNR Scorecard: