Captain America: Brave New World - A Spoiler-Free Review
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| Captain America Brave New World Review |
Introduction
The MCU has a
long history of post-credit scenes and cliffhangers that often get forgotten.
However, Captain America: Brave New World attempts to close some of
those lingering loops, which is a welcome change. This review remains
spoiler-free and focuses on the film's narrative, action, performances, and
overall execution.
Captain America Brave New World Trailer
Plot Overview
Captain
America: Brave New World is the latest entry in the MCU, starring Anthony
Mackie as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America. Following the events of Avengers:
Endgame and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam has embraced his
role as Cap. However, a new threat forces him to take matters into his own
hands, despite direct orders to stay out of it. This sets the stage for a
political and espionage-driven story that ties back to classic MCU themes.
Character Analysis
Sam Wilson as Captain America
One of the more
compelling aspects of the film is Sam Wilson grappling with the legacy of Steve
Rogers. The film subtly addresses fan concerns about Sam’s capabilities, his
lack of the Super Soldier serum, and whether he can truly step out of Steve’s
shadow. This self-reflection adds depth to his character and makes for a
thought-provoking journey.
Thunderbolt Ross - A Strong Presence
Harrison Ford
steps into the role of President Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross,
previously played by the late William Hurt. Surprisingly, Ford delivers one of
the most layered performances in the film, portraying Ross as a morally complex
figure. His presence is almost as prominent as Sam’s, creating a dynamic
reminiscent of Captain America: Civil War, where Tony Stark was a
parallel lead alongside Steve Rogers.
Giancarlo Esposito - Underutilized
Despite the
hype surrounding his casting, Giancarlo Esposito’s character is ultimately
wasted. He appears to be an afterthought, possibly added during reshoots to
boost marketing. His presence feels disjointed and underdeveloped, making his
role disappointing.
Themes and Execution
The film
attempts to channel the political and espionage thriller vibes of Captain
America: The Winter Soldier. While it successfully integrates some
intriguing political elements, it lacks the sharp pacing that made Winter
Soldier so engaging. The movie feels slow at times, with moments that drag
and don’t offer the necessary payoff.
Additionally, Brave
New World borrows heavily from past MCU films, creating a
"Frankenstein" effect. Some references work well, but others feel
forced and uninspired. An Ocean’s Eleven-style joke falls flat,
highlighting the unevenness in its comedic timing.
Action and Visuals
The action
sequences are a mix of highs and lows. The Red Hulk sequence is a standout
moment, but it's only about seven minutes long. The hand-to-hand combat is
sluggish, lacking the tight choreography seen in previous Captain America
films. While CGI is expected in an MCU film, some sequences suffer from poor
green screen effects, making certain scenes look unnatural and poorly rendered.
Unresolved MCU Loose Ends
The film does
acknowledge some long-forgotten MCU plot points, which is commendable. One
significant moment involves tying up a lingering mystery from a past film,
proving that the MCU hasn’t entirely abandoned its narrative threads. However,
other inconsistencies remain, with characters acting oblivious to events they
should logically be aware of—showcasing lazy writing at times.
Final Thoughts
While Captain
America: Brave New World has its strengths—solid performances, political
intrigue, and a few good action moments—it ultimately falls short in execution.
The pacing issues, underwhelming combat, wasted side characters, and uneven CGI
prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessors. It’s a watchable
film, but it might be more enjoyable with a drink in hand.
Summery
Captain
America: Brave New World attempts to close lingering MCU plot threads while
delivering a political espionage thriller. Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson
struggles with Steve Rogers’ legacy, while Harrison Ford’s President
Thunderbolt Ross emerges as a strong parallel lead. The film borrows heavily
from past MCU entries but lacks Winter Soldier’s sharp pacing. Action
sequences are inconsistent, with sluggish hand-to-hand combat and uneven CGI.
Giancarlo Esposito’s role feels wasted, and some unresolved MCU elements
remain. Despite these flaws, the film has solid performances and engaging
themes, making it watchable but not remarkable.
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