The latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Brave New World, arrives at a time when the franchise is navigating its most uncertain phase yet. With Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) stepping fully into the role of Captain America, this film had the potential to redefine the character for a new era. While it succeeds in some respects—particularly in Sam’s journey toward embracing the mantle—it stumbles in others, making for a mixed experience.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its performances. Mackie brings his signature charm and emotional depth to Sam, portraying a hero who is still finding his footing in a world without Steve Rogers. There are also some surprise cameos that, for once, feel earned rather than shoehorned in, which is a rarity in today’s franchise-heavy landscape. The film’s exploration of Sam’s role as a non-superpowered Captain America is compelling, offering a fresh take on what it means to wield the shield.
However, Brave New World struggles in areas that should have been its strongest assets. The action sequences feel surprisingly dull, with fight choreography that lacks weight and impact. Given that Sam doesn’t have the Super Soldier Serum, his combat style should be creative and strategic, but instead, the fights often look soft and uninspired. The lack of a memorable musical theme is another noticeable flaw—Marvel’s earlier entries, especially the Captain America films, had iconic, swelling scores that added to their gravitas. Here, the absence of a standout theme makes the film feel less distinctive.
Behind-the-scenes issues also rear their head, with multiple reshoots affecting the film’s cohesion. Some of the green screen work is distractingly bad, and it’s clear that an entire subplot was either heavily altered or removed entirely. While these issues don’t ruin the experience, they contribute to a feeling that the movie isn’t as polished as it should be.
Another challenge is the MCU’s ongoing struggle with its interconnected storytelling. Rather than allowing the film to stand on its own, there’s an underlying sense that much of it exists to set up future storylines rather than telling a fully satisfying tale. The post-credits scene, for example, is more of a reminder of what’s coming rather than an exciting tease.
In the end, Captain America: Brave New World is an enjoyable but uneven entry in the Marvel franchise. It offers a solid first big-screen outing for Sam Wilson’s Cap, but it never quite reaches the heights of its predecessors. While it’s worth watching for the performances and character moments, it doesn’t leave a lasting impact beyond that.
Captain America: Brave New World (M) is in cinemas now.
Rating: 5.5/10
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