‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Review: Anthony Mackie Takes the Lead, but Uninspired Marvel Entry Lets Him Down

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During an interview, I find myself transformed into the mighty Red Hulk, tearing through Washington D.C., not because it’s my secret desire, but rather as part of an action-packed scene in the latest solo Captain America movie. This film marks Anthony Mackie’s debut as the lead character, a role he’s been diligently preparing for over a decade.

One hopes, indeed, that the outcome would justify the delay. Regrettably, “Captain America: Brave New World” turns out to be a rather unimpressive addition to the Marvel universe. It seems as though its intricate plot has been meticulously constructed without a spark of creativity.

Other than Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Thadeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (previously played by the late William Hurt), who has risen to the presidency following roles as a U.S. general and secretary of state in earlier Marvel productions, this casting choice is unique. With two iconic film series under his belt, Ford’s screen time is nearly equal to Mackie’s, and he delivers an impressive performance. In fact, he went through the demanding process of motion capture for his character’s dramatic physical transformation.

The film shares a similar atmosphere to “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” from 2014, with its suspenseful narrative centered around government conspiracies, manipulation reminiscent of the Manchurian Candidate, and people transformed into relentless killers. Packed with references to other Marvel movies and unexpected guest appearances (some of which won’t be disclosed because Disney knows where I reside), the plot primarily focuses on Ross’ attempts to obtain a global treaty concerning a highly adaptable element found on an island in the Indian Ocean. If you need a reminder, go rewatch “Eternals,” but remember, I warned you!

Sam Wilson, portrayed by Ross and Mackie’s characters, has a complex bond, without a doubt. One moment they’re discussing the reconstruction of the Avengers (prompting excitement from fans), and the next Ross is growling, “You’re not Steve Rogers.” In truth, Sam isn’t in that respect, given he refused to accept the serum that would have granted him superhuman abilities, a choice he humorously laments at one juncture. Instead, he relies on his shield, wingsuit, and finely tuned combat skills to vanquish his adversaries, of whom there are many.

The story unfolds when chaos ensues as Sam introduces his companions Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) and elderly ex-super soldier Isaiah Bradley (played brilliantly by Carl Lumbly, who was first introduced in Disney+’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) at a White House international gathering. To everyone’s surprise, Isaiah unexpectedly tries to assassinate the president, seemingly prompted by the Bobby Vinton song “Mr. Blue” (for me, I would have expected “Roses Are Red”). However, this is just the beginning of a chain of disastrous events, as part of a sinister global plan masterminded by the embittered scientist Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson, who clearly spent considerable time in makeup), last seen in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, and looking significantly worse for wear.

Without a doubt, chaos unfolds, featuring Captain America and Torres engaged in a fierce battle against numerous fighter jets (one of the movie’s most thrilling scenes). Sidewinder, the malevolent antagonist portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, almost manages to eliminate Captain America. Throughout this turmoil, President Ross expresses frustration frequently and often longs for his estranged daughter, played by Liv Tyler. Shira Haas, known for her exceptional performance in Netflix’s “Unorthodox,” takes on a dynamic role as the tough-as-nails female security chief for President Ross, significantly different from her previous portrayal.

The script is rather ordinary and predictable, with a dialogue that’s hardly impressive – crafted by no fewer than five writers. It includes quips like “Holy smokes!” and “Get dressed, we need to go!”, suggesting that the term “collateral damage” will undoubtedly be used. Unfortunately, humor is scarcely present, leaving Mackie’s charismatic appeal somewhat hidden. It’s unfortunate because this opportunity seemed to be his chance to show he can step into Chris Evans’ shoes as Steve Rogers, but the writers have fallen short.

In a refreshingly brief 118 minutes, “Captain America: Brave New World” falls within the typical length for a Marvel film; however, under the lackluster guidance of director Julius Onah (known for “Luce” and “The Cloverfield Paradox”), it seems considerably longer. The CGI effects also fail to impress, at times even falling short of expectations. It’s an enjoyable moment, though, to spot Chris Evans’ facial features in the Red Hulk character, despite his visual convincingness being marginally better than his de-aged Indiana Jones portrayal in the final installment of that franchise.

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2025-02-12 20:30