Marvel Studios returns with Captain America: Brave New World, a film that attempts to carry the weight of the franchise’s legacy but ultimately finds itself stuck in the doldrums. As we near the end of Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this latest installment—starring Anthony Mackie in his first full-length feature as Captain America—feels less like a bold new direction and more like a franchise treading water.
A Familiar Yet Underwhelming Narrative
Written by Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, and Dalan Musson, the story combines elements of political thrillers like The Manchurian Candidate with high-octane military action reminiscent of Top Gun. The plot revolves around a White House conspiracy and an international conflict in the Indian Ocean, yet despite these high stakes, the film struggles to deliver genuine tension or excitement.
The introduction of Adamantium—a metal strikingly similar to Wakanda’s Vibranium—feels like a recycled idea rather than an innovative addition. Even the film’s climactic musical moment, featuring a Kendrick Lamar track, lacks originality; the song dates back to 2014, further emphasizing the film’s reliance on borrowed elements.
An Opportunity Squandered
The film opens with Harrison Ford stepping into the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a position previously held by the late William Hurt. Now the President of the United States, Ross insists that he has changed from his earlier days of hunting down the Hulk. In a pivotal scene, he approaches Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, with a proposition:
“Work with me, Sam. We’ll show the world a better way forward.”
Despite warnings about the dangers of superheroes aligning with government agendas, Wilson agrees, assuring his allies:
“Trust me. My eyes are wide open.”
Unfortunately, while Cap’s eyes may be open, the audience might be slowly closing.
A Villainous Lineup with Mixed Results
The film introduces three central antagonists, each more over-the-top than the last. Giancarlo Esposito delivers a deliciously menacing performance as Sidewinder, while Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns—transformed into the hyper-intelligent Leader—brings eerie intensity, with his brain bursting from his skull. Red Hulk, a rage-fueled behemoth, rounds out the trio, though his presence makes the original Hulk seem almost tame by comparison.
The supporting cast features Isaiah Bradley, a forgotten Super Soldier from the Korean War, and Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, an enigmatic national security agent with unclear motives. However, these characters do little to elevate the film’s already cluttered narrative.
Action Over Substance
Director Julius Onah proves adept at handling large-scale action sequences, but his grip on character-driven moments is less assured. The editing lacks sharpness, and the screenplay relies on clichéd military jargon—
“Negative, the package is the priority.”
—and grandiose pronouncements—
“The country is lost.”
Even product placement overshadows storytelling at times, with Captain America driving a GMC truck, using Dell computers, and the U.S. president casually working out on a Peloton.
Themes of Identity and Redemption
One of the film’s more compelling elements is its exploration of identity and self-worth. Throughout The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), Mackie’s Sam Wilson grappled with stepping into Steve Rogers’ legacy. In Brave New World, he voices his lingering doubts:
“You wonder if you’ll ever be enough.”
Similarly, Ross claims his desire to secure global peace is driven by personal motives—reconciling with his estranged daughter (played by Liv Tyler) and proving he has changed.
Yet these themes are buried under a weak script and lackluster direction. Even Mackie, a talented and charismatic actor, struggles with lines like:
“If we can’t see the good in each other, we’ve already lost the fight.”
Unfortunately, Marvel may have lost more than just a fight—they may have lost the thread of what made their films resonate in the first place.
Final Verdict
Captain America: Brave New World, a Walt Disney Pictures release, opens in theaters on Friday. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, action, and some strong language, the film runs for 118 minutes.
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/4 stars)
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
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