You Won’t Believe What Happens When Captain America Gets a New Job

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Brave New World” isn’t a revisit to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s golden era or an exploration into a daring, unexplored part of the franchise. Instead, it’s a somewhat ordinary, confusing action movie that manages to be entertaining; a description that can’t be applied to its earlier installments.

Reflect on the majesty of the Infinity Saga: powerful, frequently spectacular movies that each presented compelling standalone tales, while maintaining a more comprehensive connection, leading us to Thanos and his ominous gauntlet filled with gems capable of destroying entire universes.

Currently, there’s quite a bit of confusion overall (with the exception of a few titles like Spider-Man: No Way Home, Guardians of the Galaxy 3, X-Men ’97, and Loki). The Multiverse Saga has been more of a chaotic playtime with toys rather than an engaging experience, which seems to have watered down the excitement associated with each new release. Viewers are left wondering why they should keep caring, and Marvel has found it challenging to infuse their television shows and films with a compelling reason.

This film requires some form of redemption; something more substantial than just fan service (I found it enjoyable, but there’s a sense of guilt about Deadpool and Wolverine). Captain America: Brave New World doesn’t quite offer that compelling reason – at the very least, it serves as an innocuous way to spend your time.

What is Captain America: Brave New World about? 

Five months since Thaddeus Ross took office as president, it’s now me, Sam Wilson, who’s been sworn in as Captain America. One day, Joaquin Torres – my trusted ally, the Falcon – and I receive an urgent call from the White House for a unique mission: revitalizing the Avengers.

As a gamer, I find myself in a high-stakes predicament. After an unfortunate event nearly claimed Ross’s life and jeopardized the agreement regarding Tiamut’s adamantium remains – that colossal, abandoned Celestial from Eternals – tensions between parties have escalated to new heights. Needless to say, I wouldn’t want to upset the president under any circumstances.

In addition, let’s touch upon Samuel Sterns (portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson), who was last seen in The Incredible Hulk following Bruce Banner’s blood coming into contact with an open wound, leading to his head swelling. I can’t reveal much about his role in the storyline or his intentions, but he is a cunning, intimidating adversary.

Brave New World is choppy and confused about what it is 

As a gamer, here’s how I might rephrase it:

Every Captain America film had its unique flavor and mission; The First Avenger was a gripping, sincere account of his origins, The Winter Soldier felt like a classic ’70s-style thriller with a superhero twist, and Civil War (or Avengers 2.5) boldly pitted Earth’s strongest heroes against each other in an intriguing conflict.

In simpler terms, the film “Brave New World” appears to lack focus, attempting to encompass various genres such as a superhero film like Captain America, a sequel to a mediocre streaming series, an intricate political drama, all within a setting that allows its president to transform into a giant red monster (which we’ll discuss further).

Interestingly enough, one of its key connections might just be The Incredible Hulk, a Marvel Cinematic Universe film that has gained notoriety for being less than stellar. While you could skip it, I’d recommend watching it beforehand due to emotional payoffs it offers, surprisingly enough for The Incredible Hulk (hard to believe I’m suggesting this).

The movie is not the best or even great version of what it’s aiming for. At its peak, it’s just okay. There may be a better film hidden within it, but it seems to have become lost during the transition from one script to another. This doesn’t mean that director Julius Onah is without blame for the mistakes made, but it appears that the production process was disjointed.

Nelson is being used less than his potential; surprisingly, his character is tired of feeling like a mere piece on a chessboard, and that’s precisely how he’s handled in this storyline. The script (written by a team of five, which isn’t usually promising) often leans towards thoughtlessness; predictable jokes, sometimes overly wordy, and lacking originality.

The action in this movie is both intense and skillfully executed; some scenes are extended for dramatic effect, while others have been judiciously trimmed. Mackie delivers a compelling performance as he convincingly takes down opponents, even using cinder blocks to strike enemies in one fight! However, the film sometimes appears hesitant to fully capitalize on his talents. While there are moments when he seems somewhat disengaged, overall it’s an impressive solo act that successfully passes the mantle on.

Credit is certainly owed for the impressive large-scale scene involving Tiamut, an area where the movie truly shines with its energetic and action-packed sequences that overshadow some less polished visual effects. In other parts of the film, Kramer Morgenthau’s cinematography stands out remarkably; although a few unattractive shots can be found, overall, the movie boasts a visually rich and fashionable aesthetic.

Its politics are dull… but it has a Red Hulk 

In contrast to The Winter Soldier and Civil War that carried a sharp, prophetic feel, Brave New World fails to convey the immediate relevance or importance – as Ross puts it – of the current situation. Its casual references to contemporary politics seem unconvincing and empty; at one point, Sam remarks that the country is already lost. Even its incorporation of the film’s title can be met with an eyeroll.

In simpler terms, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” didn’t exactly tackle complex issues deeply, but it did touch upon the weighty responsibility Sam Wilson faces in taking over as Captain America, given Steve Rogers’ legacy. This aspect is only briefly mentioned, but not due to Mackie’s performance – when he discusses this topic, it’s quite heartwarming.

Speaking as a fan, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – Harrison Ford. His portrayal of Ross is spot-on, oozing charm and uniqueness that makes me eager for more. And oh boy, the secret transformation scene? Absolutely thrilling! It was a joy to witness a Hulk (though not our usual green guy) being a terrifying menace again. If only the rest of the movie could match the excitement of those moments.

TopMob Review Score: 3/5 – Good 

Despite Captain America: Brave New World not entirely restoring my trust in the Marvel Cinematic Universe nor measuring up to its groundbreaking forerunners, there’s no denying that I enjoyed myself throughout the movie – which is ultimately what truly counts.

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2025-02-12 20:19