'Captain America: Brave New World' Review – Anthony Mackie Soars in a High-Stakes MCU Thriller
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Wednesday, 12 February 2025 11:47
- Written by Lupe R Haas
Anthony Mackie earns his stripes as Captain America in CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Marvel Studios delivers high-flying action, but more importantly, like Steve Rogers before him, Sam Wilson's unwavering loyalty and compassion drive the story forward.
A Captain Without Superpowers
In BRAVE NEW WORLD, the new Captain America finds himself caught in an international crisis and at odds with the President of the United States, Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). When the original Super Soldier, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), attempts to assassinate the President, Sam is determined to uncover the truth behind his mentor’s actions and save him from the death penalty.
Unlike his predecessors, Sam Wilson isn’t a Super Soldier—he’s vulnerable, making the stakes even higher. However, thanks to Wakandan upgrades, his winged suit receives significant enhancements, elevating the aerial combat sequences to Top Gun-level excitement.
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The Heart of a Hero
The film directly addresses Wilson’s lack of superhuman abilities, as he grapples with his limitations. However, BRAVE NEW WORLD reinforces that what made Steve Rogers exceptional wasn’t just his enhanced strength but his unwavering moral compass. Sam Wilson embodies that same heart and soul, proving that Captain America is more than just a serum.
Strengths and Weaknesses
While the film delivers thrilling action, its pacing occasionally suffers due to excessive exposition between set pieces. Additionally, the villains feel underdeveloped. Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder is sidelined almost immediately in favor of the real antagonist, The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson).
The film also ties directly into 2008’s THE INCREDIBLE HULK, where Edward Norton originally played Bruce Banner and Nelson debuted as Samuel Sterns. Thankfully, BRAVE NEW WORLD provides enough context that revisiting the 2008 film isn’t necessary.
Harrison Ford’s Presidential Powerhouse
Although William Hurt was originally set to reprise his role as Thaddeus Ross before his passing, Harrison Ford steps into the role seamlessly, embodying Ross’s aggressive nature without attempting an imitation. His take on the character is unpredictable and intimidating. The introduction of Red Hulk—though brief—delivers intense, heart-pounding action.
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Ford and Mackie have excellent chemistry, exchanging sharp, energetic banter that keeps their dynamic engaging.
Supporting Characters and Cameos
Wilson’s wingman, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), brings a Top Gun-style "little brother" energy as an eager Avenger. However, since the character was first introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier on Disney+, viewers unfamiliar with the series may find his presence lacking context.
Carl Lumbly's Super Soldier character also inhabited the character in the Disney+ series. Still, here he delivers a heartbreaking portrayal of someone used and abused by the U.S. government, who fears being locked up again.
SPOILERS AHEAD
A fan-favorite character makes a surprise cameo, dropping a major revelation about what’s next for them in the MCU.
Only one end-credit scene was made available, teasing the next phase of the MCU—and potentially introducing an out-of-this-world villain.
Final Verdict
While CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD has some pacing issues and underdeveloped villains, it succeeds in delivering thrilling action and a compelling new chapter for Sam Wilson as Captain America. With intense aerial combat, emotional stakes, and strong performances—especially from Mackie and Ford—the film proves that Captain America’s true strength lies not in superpowers, but in his unwavering commitment to justice.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD opens in theaters on February 14.