Marvel's latest movie, Captain America: Brave New World, follows Sam Wilson—our new Captain America—after he takes over the mantle from Steve Rogers. Although Sam's tenure as Cap is relatively new to live-action audiences, the film wastes no time establishing him as a fully realized and iconic hero in the Marvel universe. From the very start, we see an already established Captain America, one who effortlessly carries the weight of his legacy while confronting global challenges with the same determination we've come to expect.
While the movie doesn't reinvent the superhero genre or deliver any groundbreaking surprises, it still manages to offer a pleasant and nostalgic ride reminiscent of the pre-Infinity War era. That period of Marvel films was less about universe-shattering spectacles and more about character-driven narratives.
One of the film's most compelling aspects is the dynamic portrayal of its central characters. Sam Wilson emerges as a man of honor and unwavering moral conviction—a living testament to why we love Captain America. Anthony Mackie's portrayal reminds us that true heroism lies in integrity, compassion, and the courage to stand by one's principles. In parallel, Harrison Ford delivers a standout performance as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. Ross's actions throughout the film are undeniably morally questionable. He keeps Isaiah imprisoned and holds Samuel Sterns captive—essentially turning Sterns into a pawn for his bidding. Yet, there's a method behind his madness. His decision to keep Isaiah incarcerated is driven by concerns over global optics, while Sterns' continued captivity is justified by his role in ensuring Ross's own survival. Whether it's Ford's magnetic performance or the inherent complexity of the character, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to Ross.
The film ambitiously attempts to mix superhero action with elements of a political thriller. It clearly wants to make a statement about the sociopolitical climate, yet it ends up justifying the questionable actions of its characters rather than challenging them. For instance, one of the most controversial decisions in the movie is Ross's choice to let Isaiah remain in prison despite knowing the full truth behind his actions. This part, involving Isaiah—a Black, innocent man who faces the looming threat of a death penalty—had the potential to serve as a powerful commentary on systemic injustice and racial bias. Unfortunately, the narrative skirts around these heavy issues, it opts for a sugarcoated approach that ultimately diminishes the emotional impact and social relevance of the storyline.
In many ways, Captain America: Brave New World is a film of contrasts. It comfortably situates itself within the established Marvel framework, and serves familiar action sequences and heroic feats, yet it also hints at deeper, more complex themes that are never fully explored. Overall, the movie stands as a solid addition to the MCU. It honors the legacy of Captain America through its character work and engaging performances, even if its political ambitions and social commentary feel somewhat half-hearted.
RATING: 3/5
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