by ECI Released : 2025-02-13
Captain America: Brave New World is directed by Julius Onah, serving as the fourth installment in the Captain America film series and the 35th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, who took up the mantle of Captain America after the events of Avengers: Endgame and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The film also features Harrison Ford as President Ross, taking over from the late William Hurt, and Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon.
The film picks up with Sam Wilson navigating the complexities of being Captain America in a world still grappling with the aftermath of the Blip. Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam lacks super-soldier abilities but compensates with his ingenuity, moral clarity, and unwavering dedication to justice. Mackie delivers a grounded, compelling performance that explores the human side of the shield—the insecurities of stepping into an iconic role, the weight of responsibility, and the challenge of uniting a fractured world.
Julius Onah brings a fresh, politically charged lens to the film, echoing the espionage tones of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The narrative dives into geopolitical tensions, government conspiracies, and the evolving definition of heroism in an increasingly complex world. The action sequences are well-executed, blending practical effects with MCU's signature spectacle. One standout scene involves Sam and Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon, engaging in a high-stakes aerial battle that highlights their evolving partnership.
Harrison Ford steps into the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross with a commanding presence. His dynamic with Sam Wilson adds layers to the film's political intrigue as they clash over national security and global stability. Danny Ramirez shines as Torres, bringing youthful energy and humor while proving himself a worthy successor to the Falcon mantle.
Unfortunately, the film suffers from a number of flaws that hold it back from being a standout MCU entry. The pacing feels uneven, with a sluggish middle act that detracts from the momentum built in the opening scenes. The villain is underdeveloped, with motivations that feel surface-level and disconnected from the larger narrative. Additionally, the hand-to-hand combat scenes, which have historically been a highlight in Captain America films, lack the crisp choreography and visceral impact fans have come to expect.
The plot itself feels aimless at times, with multiple subplots that never quite come together in a satisfying way. The film tries to juggle political commentary, character development, and action, but the end result is a narrative that feels disjointed and unfocused.
Anthony Mackie proves that Captain America is defined not by superpowers, but by the strength of one's convictions, along with Harrison Ford's turn as Thunderbolt Ross, are the film's highlights. I also enjoyed the relationship between Mackie and Ramirez (who plays the new Falcon) character. But this installment still delivers action, and heart for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike, making it a solid addition to the MCU catalog. It's worth seeing at a drive-in near you.
