The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is 35 films in now and it just doesn’t excite me anymore. I had hoped “Captain America: Brave New World” would be an exception: Anthony Mackie’s film debut as Captain America, Harrison Ford as Thunderbolt Ross and the introduction of Red Hulk. There was, to say the least, plenty to look forward to. Unfortunately, “Captain America: Brave New World” was fairly middle of the road as far as this universe, not horrible, not fantastic either. Anthony Mackie delivers a compelling Captain America, he’s just forgotten about in his own film with attention being split between him and Thunderbolt Ross. There are some well-shot and executed action sequences, funny lines and an appreciated attempt to world-build, but, it still leaves a lot to be desired on a character and narrative front. None of this is helped either by the inclusion of a boring and generic villain. “Captain America: Brave New World” doesn’t leave as big of an impression as I hoped it would.
Back of the DVD Summary:
Sam Wilson (Captain America,) investigates the assassination attempt of President Ross at an international conference to discuss the sharing of a new metal: adamantium. Tensions between the president and Captain America increasingly grow as more and more players are revealed to be pulling the strings against the U.S. government. Sam Wilson’s first foray as the hero is mired in conspiracy and betrayal.
Before getting into what didn’t work for me, let’s start with some of what did. Both Harrison Ford and Anthony Mackie were the standouts of the film, easily. Mackie never disappoints as Sam Wilson and continues that trend as the new Captain America. The script doesn’t waste time constantly comparing the former and the current Captain America, instead allowing Sam Wilson to spread his wings. His character never once bored me or even invited comparison. Sam Wilson is here to stay as Captain America and I am here for it.
Ford always adds a layer of gravitas to any role and this role is no different. Ford is taking over from the late William Hurt and really gives it his all by trying to sell a man who’s trying to change alongside evolving times. Each time he was on screen, he filled up the frame with his personality and his grumpy demeanor.
As for the actual narrative, I appreciated the attempt to tie up some loose ends in the universe even if some of those attempts had mixed results. The status of the Avengers is finally acknowledged in a meaningful way, which came as a welcomed surprise. Within the film, there were some really cool action set-pieces, specifically the fight in the Atlantic Ocean and the final fight against Red Hulk. The choreographers took advantage of Captain America’s new suit, especially in the final fight. There is one shot I won’t spoil here, but it involves a wing and a car.
While I’d not put “Captain America: Brave New World” at the bottom of the MCU, it does not rank high up either — it’s riddled with problems. The first major issue is the villain, Samuel Sterns, whose whole gimmick is he’s “super-smart”, which means of course, the plot conveniently bends to whatever he says is going to happen. Sterns isn’t very intimidating either and has little menace or presence for that matter. There is another villain, SideWinder, who is superfluous to the plot and adds nothing except a needless distraction from the story. Another issue is how Isaiah Bradley’s character is used in this story: as a cheap emotional trick to get both Sam and the audience invested. It especially comes across as cheap when Isaiah’s character is not given any time for us to care about him, that is, unless you watched “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” a Disney+ Show. This leads to another issue with the film: Sam Wilson’s character development and relationship to being Captain America was relegated to said show. The one character issue they did have was only given lip service too and was not a central conflict for him: whether or not to take the super soldier serum. The rest of the cast is unforgettable and uninteresting, making any moment where they’re front and center painful to watch.
“Captain America: Brave New World” tries to establish some direction to the MCU, but fails to do so. At this point, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to care about this universe when there appears to be no cohesion or synergy between the films’ stories, and the issue is exacerbated by the need to watch TV shows. The films are not giving audiences a reason to care anymore.
As a long-time fan of the MCU, it saddens me I haven’t really loved an MCU film since “Spiderman: No Way Home” and have been mixed on the Disney+ shows. I go into each viewing experience ready to be entertained at the very least which is a low bar that has not been recently exceeded. Despite its problems, however, I enjoyed this film. Although, I am disappointed at the disservice done to this incarnation of Captain America. Sectioning off Sam’s struggles and character growth to a TV show meant they had little to do with his character in his debut film. The one challenge they could’ve given him, not being a super soldier, was only discussed briefly and not central character development. If you’re looking for a good popcorn flick, I’d get out there and see it, but I’d lower your expectations if they are high.
