Ambitious, Yet Struggling to Break Free from the Past
The plot of Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson as he struggles to step fully into the role of Captain America while dealing with political tensions, old threats, and new enemies. Thaddeus Ross, now played by Harrison Ford, is the newly elected President, but his plans for global security take a dangerous turn. Meanwhile, Tim Blake Nelson’s Leader resurfaces, and Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder adds another layer of intrigue, though both feel a bit underused. The story has some strong ideas, but the pacing is uneven, and certain plotlines don’t get the depth they deserve. Early news of rewrites and reshoots did not paint a promising picture for the film, suggesting that its production was off to a rocky start. This behind-the-scenes turbulence seemed to hint that the movie might struggle to find its footing, and unfortunately, some of those concerns are reflected in the final product.
The action is hit-or-miss—not bad, but not great either. Some fights deliver, but others feel a little flat, lacking the impact of past Captain America films. The CGI also feels rough in places, but when Red Hulk finally shows up, the visuals step up a notch, delivering the kind of spectacle Marvel fans enjoy. Ultimately, the overall scope of Brave New World feels more like a piece trying to tie up loose ends from previous movies rather than a film with its own distinct, self-contained structure. This reliance on past narratives prevents the story from fully standing on its own as a fresh chapter in the MCU. While the MCU’s best days may be behind it, Brave New World proves there is still some life left. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s far from the disaster many feared.
