The release of Captain America: Brave New World on February 14 has generated considerable buzz, yet not all of it is positive. Critics have taken aim at this newest installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), highlighting its inconsistencies and shortcomings, particularly when compared to its predecessors.
Fans of the franchise have long awaited this film, not just because it continues the beloved saga of Captain America, but because it marks the first time Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, wields the iconic shield, having inherited it from Steve Rogers following Avengers: Endgame. Unfortunately, the excitement appears dampened by a plot many describe as muddled and uninspired.
Critics like those from io9 summarize the experience succinctly: “Captain America: Brave New World is more like ‘tried’ and ‘true’ than anything else.” The film attempts to blend established characters with new plotlines, particularly focusing on Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford, who finds himself as President of the United States. The narrative draws on plot points from past MCU movies and shows, creating a web of storylines including Isaiah Bradley, another super soldier, and Samuel Sterns, who has his own motivations for conflict.
The relationship between Wilson and Ross emerges as central to the plot, as they navigate treaty negotiations following the events depicted in Eternals and the political fallout surrounding it. Ross’s character takes on new dimensions as he grapples with his dark past and tries to position himself as the peacemaker, but as critics have noted, his efforts come off as flat, failing to resonate with the emotional weight the storyline could have carried.
Adding to the commentary, The Guardian remarks on how the film’s themes of political intrigue and representation miss the mark. “Brave New World clumsily wraps distant political themes around misshapen action set pieces,” they note, criticizing the lack of coherence and depth within Wilson’s character arc. Instead of exploring the complex anxieties concerning representation and justice, the film sometimes resorts to formulaic action sequences without substantial emotional investment.
Critically, the action sequences have received mixed reactions. While some sequences are enjoyable and well-choreographed, relying on Mackie’s performance to carry the weight, others fall victim to some clunky CGI and pacing issues. Collider describes the action as coherent but unimpressive: “Even Sam’s tech upgrade is taken directly from Black Panther’s kit,” they quip, pointing to the film's reliance on past Marvel technology without innovatively advancing the narrative or character development.
Despite these shortcomings, some reviews did manage to find merit. Many cite Mackie's charisma and growth as Captain America, stating he carries the film even when the broader narrative fails him. “He’s witty when he needs to be and convincingly stoic at other points,” praises Screen Rant, highlighting the emotional undertones Mackie brings to Sam Wilson, which could resonate with audiences seeking relatable heroes.
Bolstering Mackie’s performance is the supporting cast. While some characters like Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder lack depth, others shine brighter. Ford's portrayal of Ross, particularly his transformation to the Red Hulk, manages to offer moments of levity and intensity. Critics agree Ford brings energy even to scenes burdened by the film's faltering pace.
On the other hand, some viewers walk away feeling the film did not do justice to the characters or the political themes it introduces. Those hoping for significant commentary or change within the MCU might be disappointed. Reviewers from Slant Magazine articulated it succinctly: “The film is nothing more than a tired and uninspired dollop of content from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
Interestingly, films like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier had fans hoping for more depth and nuance about black representation and the weight of history. Unfortunately, Brave New World doesn’t match the ambition of its predecessor, finding itself caught between wanting to entertain and the pressure to lead discussions on representation, but these conversations feel clumsily handled amid the action hero tropes.
Despite the negativity, fans of the franchise remain hopeful. With the potential for future MCU storylines to expand on these themes and characters, there remains room for possibilities. At its core, Captain America: Brave New World offers glimpses of what could be, even if it struggles to form its identity as something innovative within the superhero genre.
Overall, Captain America: Brave New World may not reach the heights of its predecessors, but through the lens of Anthony Mackie's performance and its engaging action, it still captivates some segments of its audience. The film opens this Friday, February 14, where viewers can determine for themselves whether it lives up to its namesake or falls short of expectations.