‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Review: Anthony Mackie Takes Up the Shield in a Franchise Time Filler That’s Just Fun Enough

by

The upcoming movie ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ marks the return of Marvel after six months, but it signifies something more – it’s the first since 2022, following ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, to focus on a classic Marvel hero. The years leading up to this have sparked discussions about whether comic-book-movie culture, or at least its excitement, had run its course. The impressive box office success of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ last summer might have appeared to silence such doubts. However, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe comprising 35 films, there is now a sense of repetition that looms over this new ‘Captain America’ film more than before. The concern about potential superhero fatigue surrounds this movie much more than it did previously.

After delving into the rich history of the Avengers through shows like “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021) on Disney+, you might find yourself questioning if you’re sufficiently prepared before watching “Brave New World.” As Anthony Mackie embarks on his initial solo adventure as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America following Chris Evans’s Steve Rogers, you may be struck by how the character seems to represent a more modest superhero in the MCU, which appears to be past its prime.

In comparison to Rogers’ Captain America, who was characterized by his serum-induced invincibility, Wilson’s version relies heavily on his hand-to-hand combat skills, as well as his vibranium shield and wingsuit. This makes him resemble Iron Man in some ways, although Tony Stark’s primary weapon was more his quick wit than physical strength. The mortal nature of Wilson’s Captain America is evident in the determined persistence portrayed by Mackie, particularly in scenes where he tries to prove himself as number two. However, viewers may wonder if the original Captain America wasn’t a bit more superhuman.

Despite the various elements that have been established previously, such as epic imprisonments, adamantium, and Sebastian Stan, “Brave New World” stands out as a film that possesses its unique tone, derived from Mackie’s rugged, tight-knit, somewhat subdued yet cool demeanor. This film manages to function effectively as an independent, self-contained adventure, blending action sequences involving shield-bashing and sky-zipping with the intricacies of a gritty political thriller. Unlike some Marvel movies criticized for being overpowered by CGI and overwhelmed by too many tangled multiverse plots, “Brave New World” is a superhero dish that offers a satisfying meal, not feeling like previously reheated leftovers due to its competent execution and sprinkling of freshness.

Initially, Wilson receives an invitation to the White House, where Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a former Army general turned newly elected U.S. President (replacing the late William Hurt, portrayed by Harrison Ford), is hosting the Celestial Island World Summit. This summit signifies a significant global discovery – the unearthing of a celestial mass in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Our stoic and somewhat reserved protagonist and the cunning yet explosive Ross have a tumultuous history. In an attempt to heal past hurts, Wilson brings along Isaiah Bradley, his old comrade and a former super soldier who was unjustly incarcerated and subjected to experiments for three decades.

Within the White House, however, an unexpected event unfolds as Isaiah abruptly stands alongside four armed individuals, attempting to assassinate the president. Despite their efforts, they are unsuccessful. A closer examination of the security footage later reveals that every assassin, including Isaiah, had a cellphone light illuminating their face. They were all seemingly activated by some enigmatic force. Wilson, accompanied by Danny Ramirez’s Falcon (who serves as a less sarcastic version of Robin to Cap’s Batman), embarks on a mission to uncover the source behind this mysterious trigger.

Director Julius Onah (“The Cloverfield Paradox”) delves into the plot’s intrigue in a straightforward manner, leading us to Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), a cellular biologist who was infected with Bruce Banner’s blood, transforming him into a monstrous, toxic green creature with his brain exposed. Unlike a typical Marvel villain attempting global destruction, Sterns has an eccentric plan: provoking President Ross, his previous captor, into a military conflict with Japan over the possession of adamantium. The strategy is to stir up Ross’s anger and bring out his innermost aggression. However, this isn’t your typical repetitive plotline; it offers an amusing twist on the usual narrative.

Instead of typical movie presidents being one-dimensional figures, Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Ross is like Ronald Reagan with unresolved anger issues. He imbues the character with a gruff and commanding presence that just about maintains the tension over his underlying volatility. We are constantly on edge, anticipating Ford’s character’s suppressed irritability to erupt into rage. His versatile acting skills keep evolving, and eventually, Ross transforms into the Red Hulk, leading us to the predictable Marvel-style Exciting Climactic Battle.

Although this isn’t directly related to any specific topic, there are some similarities that can be noticed. Stern’s mind control methods mirror the detachment characteristic of AI, which explains why the movie has this subtitle. The breakdown of the old world order and its transition into a new one shares a loose connection with the unpredictable style of President Trump in reshaping global politics. Shira Haas, playing the president’s security chief, resembles Billie Eilish portraying Mata Hari in terms of their roles. Tim Blake Nelson’s villain character embodies an increased level of campy wickedness, similar to a villain from the MCU. The movie “Captain America: Brave New World” can be seen as a brief distraction that fits well within the MCU’s strategy of rebooting the Avengers. However, it doesn’t introduce anything truly innovative; it just manages to entertain again.

Read More

2025-02-12 20:18