Captain America: Brave New World – A bold new chapter, but lacking depth & impact

KATHMANDU: Captain America: Brave New World, directed by Julius Onah and written by Malcolm Spellman, is a pivotal chapter in the MCU, introducing Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America following the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series.

This film sees Sam Wilson’s transformation into the iconic superhero, as he grapples with the mantle left behind by Steve Rogers.

The movie introduces a diverse ensemble cast including Harrison Ford, who plays President Thaddeus Ross, and features a new threat to global stability.

The movie explores themes of legacy, identity, and leadership while incorporating elements of political intrigue, super-powered combat, and the usual MCU flair for spectacle. However, it’s met with varying reactions regarding its balance of these themes with the expectations set by its predecessors in the MCU.

Plot

The story picks up after the events of Avengers: Endgame, with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) struggling to balance his new responsibilities as the official Captain America.

He faces significant resistance both from within the government and the public, questioning whether a Black man can truly carry the symbol of Captain America. Sam, however, is determined to prove himself.

A shadowy organization emerges, spearheaded by a mysterious villain who challenges the fragile peace the world has enjoyed post-Endgame.

Alongside him, Sam teams up with his allies, including Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), to thwart an international crisis and protect the people they love. At the heart of the film is the question of whether Sam is truly ready to assume the mantle of a superhero leader, as well as his clash with the legacy of Captain America.

Direction and Cinematography

Director Julius Onah brings a gritty, grounded feel to Brave New World, drawing from his experience with action thrillers. The pacing is relentless, with fight sequences that are beautifully choreographed.

However, some critics argue that the action, while spectacular, doesn’t always feel consequential, especially compared to earlier films in the MCU, like Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

The cinematography by Greg Fraser offers some beautiful shots of iconic Marvel locales and provides a fresh look at the globe-trotting adventure Sam embarks on.

Still, some critics found the visuals occasionally lacking in style, as compared to the more stylized MCU installments, and felt some of the action scenes were too familiar.

Performance

One of the film’s standout elements is Anthony Mackie’s performance as Captain America. Having stepped into the role after Chris Evans’ iconic portrayal, Mackie is tasked with making Sam Wilson’s journey both believable and inspiring.

His performance is confident, showing the weight of responsibility he carries and his genuine desire to do right by the legacy of Steve Rogers. While many fans appreciated his take on the role, some critics felt that the film didn’t give him enough material to truly shine as the new Captain America, leading to a performance that occasionally felt restrained.

Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross is another major highlight. His portrayal brings a gravitas and seasoned weight to the political elements of the story, providing a good contrast to Mackie’s relatively fresh and dynamic Captain America.

Ford’s performance adds a level of depth to the film’s exploration of power, authority, and political maneuvering.

Sebastian Stan’s return as Bucky Barnes offers a pleasant continuation of his complex character arc, though his role here is more subdued compared to previous films.

Some fans hoped for more interaction between Bucky and Sam, but the dynamic between the two remains strong, as Bucky serves as a mentor figure to Sam in his new role.

Villains

The primary antagonist in Brave New World is a mysterious figure whose identity remains concealed for most of the film. While not as iconic as previous MCU villains, the character poses a real threat, testing Sam’s ability to handle his new responsibilities.

Some critics felt that the villain was one-dimensional, lacking the depth and motivation that made earlier Marvel antagonists like Thanos and Zemo so compelling.

However, there is also a subplot involving a secondary antagonist, which introduces more nuance and complexity, particularly relating to the moral gray areas Sam must navigate in his new role. The balance between personal and public conflict is one of the more interesting parts of the plot.

Themes

One of the film’s most resonant themes is the question of identity and legacy. Sam Wilson must reconcile the responsibilities of being Captain America with his own sense of self, and the film explores what it means to carry the weight of a symbol like the shield.

Sam’s journey is deeply tied to his relationship with his community, his history, and the larger political landscape.

Captain America: Brave New World also grapples with the concept of authority and leadership. Sam faces resistance from various factions that question his authority, with several key figures unsure whether he is worthy of the title of Captain America.

This conflict parallels real-world discussions about leadership, especially in times of political uncertainty.

Pacing and Structure

The film is fast-paced, and while that serves the action scenes well, it sometimes leads to a sense of hurriedness. The narrative can feel jumbled, especially when trying to balance the political intrigue with the super-heroic spectacle.

The film introduces a lot of plot points and characters, many of which don’t get the screen time or development they deserve, which can lead to moments that feel underdeveloped or rushed.

The middle act of the film is particularly criticized for slowing down too much, as the plot becomes bogged down with exposition and subplots that could have been trimmed to allow for a stronger focus on Sam’s personal growth and the main narrative.

Action Sequences

As expected from an MCU film, Captain America: Brave New World delivers impressive action sequences. From hand-to-hand combat to high-stakes chase scenes, the film has plenty to offer in terms of spectacle.

However, some of the action lacks the emotional weight that previous Captain America films, like The Winter Soldier, are known for. Despite the scale, the stakes don’t always feel as personal or intense, leading to criticism that the action is more about style than substance.

Reception

While Captain America: Brave New World was expected to be a game-changer, it has received mixed reviews. Critics praised Mackie’s performance but felt that the film didn’t fully capitalize on the potential of his new role.

The script’s predictability, combined with a lack of emotional depth in some action scenes, led to criticism.

Despite this, the film has been hailed as a solid entry in the MCU that sets up future storylines and allows Mackie to take on a larger leadership role within the universe.

Final Verdict: Captain America: Brave New World is a film with a lot of potential but is ultimately weighed down by its overstuffed plot, uneven pacing, and reliance on MCU tropes.

While Anthony Mackie delivers a strong performance, and the movie’s themes of legacy and leadership are engaging, it falls short of the emotional depth and character development that made The Winter Soldier such a beloved entry. It’s a fine film for MCU fans but may leave those looking for a more profound exploration of Captain America’s legacy somewhat disappointed.

Trailer: