Captain America: Brave New World Review – A Thrilling Yet Uneven Superhero Saga
Critic’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Captain America: Brave New World Review – An Action-Packed Ride with Flaws
Captain America Story:
The fourth installment in the Captain America franchise follows Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as he fully steps into his role as the new Captain America. A global crisis erupts when adamantium, a rare and powerful metal, is discovered, sparking geopolitical tensions as nations scramble for control. Amidst the turmoil, President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) attempts to mediate peace, but a shocking attack by Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) and his allies sets off a chain of events that threatens world stability.
Captain America Review:
Captain America: Brave New World is an ambitious entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), blending high-stakes political intrigue with superhero action. Director Julius Onah delivers a spectacle-packed film, but its sprawling narrative occasionally loses momentum.
The movie opens with an exhilarating action sequence in Mexico, where Wilson and his new ally, Joaquin “Falcon” Torres (Danny Ramirez), disrupt an illegal adamantium deal. Their success earns them a White House invitation, where Ross unveils plans for a global treaty on the metal’s distribution. However, diplomacy takes a dark turn when Bradley and his group ambush Ross, leading to Bradley’s arrest and Wilson’s dismissal as Captain America.
Determined to uncover the truth, Wilson and Torres dive into an investigation that unravels a sinister mind-control plot led by Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson). Seeking revenge against Ross, Sterns manipulates global events, pushing the U.S. and Japan to the brink of war. As tensions escalate, Ross undergoes a shocking transformation into Red Hulk, setting up a climactic showdown.
While the action sequences—including intense aerial battles and hand-to-hand combat—are thrilling, the film struggles with pacing. Wilson’s journey as a non-superhuman Captain America presents an opportunity for deep character exploration, yet the movie only scratches the surface of his self-doubt and leadership struggles. The complex plot, filled with political machinations and past franchise callbacks, may also challenge casual viewers unfamiliar with previous installments.
That said, the performances shine. Anthony Mackie makes a strong case as the grounded, more relatable successor to Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). Danny Ramirez’s Falcon brings charm and energy, while Harrison Ford’s Ross adds gravitas, portraying a reformed yet formidable leader. Shira Haas impresses as Ruth Bat-Seraph, a no-nonsense security chief with a mysterious past.
Despite underwhelming CGI in parts, Brave New World delivers visceral action, especially the much-anticipated Captain America vs. Red Hulk showdown, though it arrives late in the film. Though not the strongest entry in the MCU, it provides enough entertainment for superhero fans with its mix of high-octane combat, espionage, and engaging performances.
Verdict: Captain America: Brave New World is a solid but flawed installment that balances action and political intrigue. While its plot may feel convoluted, the thrilling set pieces and charismatic cast make it worth a watch.
Final Score: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
