Captain America: Brave New World

Rating 4/10

Storytelling is the true villain of Captain America: Brave New World. Rather than soaring upon the wings of its iconic hero, the saga trips into a deadly quagmire of lifeless characters that deliver stale dialogue to serve a meandering plot. What should have been a heroic adventure is bogged down by convoluted stakes and uninspired conflicts. And just as things build to a potentially satisfying ending, it climaxes in a joyless ooze of CGI that is as muddy as it is depressing.

Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) wrestles with his current identity as Captain America, embracing the responsibility but refusing to take the super-soldier serum. As a result, he finds himself at a distinct physical disadvantage, often taking a beating in combat—though his vibranium shield is a lifesaver. Despite stepping into Cap’s boots, he still moves and fights like the Falcon, relying on his aerial agility above brute strength. The result is a schizophrenic individual caught between two identities, making it unclear whether he’s evolved beyond his former role or simply carrying a fresh title.

While working under the morally ambiguous President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), Sam is tasked to stop the Serpent Society, a group of mercenaries led by the mysterious Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito). Sam successfully disrupts their evil operations to acclaim. Invited to the White House to discuss leading an updated Avengers team, Sam witnesses a shocking assassination attempt on Ross, orchestrated through mind control that turns his mentor, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), and others into unwilling attackers. Determined to uncover the truth, Sam and his allies trace the attack to a larger conspiracy involving the discovery of a rare and powerful metal called adamantium and a brewing international conflict.

The 35th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) also serves as the fourth installment in the Captain America series and a continuation of the 2021 miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Unfortunately, it feels like a placeholder, filling gaps connecting more important films as opposed to standing on its own. The drama fails to offer any plot developments that feel urgent or essential. On the contrary, it consists of info-dump conversations, punctuated by underwhelming action sequences to break up the monotony.

These discussions feature a revolving lineup of people. Most appear to say their lines to ostensibly advance the narrative before vanishing. There isn’t a single unique personality in the entire cast—just a procession of actors reciting dialogue. Sidewinder could have been a charismatic villain if they had fleshed out his identity. Instead, another even less distinguished one is added to the mix. Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) is a scientist whose involvement with gamma experiments left him scarred. He’s driven by revenge against Thaddeus Ross, whom he blames for his suffering. Nerdy and meek, his temperament is surprisingly subdued for someone with such a personal vendetta.

Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) takes on the duty of Falcon, filling the part previously held by Sam Wilson. As his closest ally, Joaquin has a bigger responsibility, providing aerial support in combat and aiding in uncovering the greater conspiracy. The President’s head of security (Shira Haas) doesn’t inspire confidence – a petite woman with a frail appearance, she seems ill-suited for such a demanding position. President Ross’s daughter (Liv Tyler) makes an unnecessary walk-on, amounting to little more than a few throwaway lines. The same goes for another rumored individual who makes a fleeting cameo but will remain unnamed to avoid spoilers.

What can I say about a picture whose greatest contribution is tying up loose ends from 2008’s The Incredible Hulk starring Edward Norton? In the proper chronicle, Sam Wilson must navigate political intrigue, powerful enemies, and his own doubts to prove he is worthy of the Captain America mantle. It all plays out just as generically as it sounds. Director Julius Onah (The Cloverfield Paradox) relies on rudimentary camera work, sticking to scenes where the camera stays on one shot without changing or two people at once talking to each other for the duration of a confab. The ubiquitous lack of style further zaps what little excitement and creativity is present in an admittedly terrible screenplay. The forced banter lacks humor and depth. It’s just exposition to advance a standard-issue political thriller about the government. Five credited writers—Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, Julius Onah, and Peter Glanz—split duties between story and screenplay. The “too many cooks” problem shows. A dull movie is overworked into tedium by a panel of competing voices.

Captain America: Brave New World is a mechanical exercise in franchise maintenance.  Honestly, Sam Wilson’s constant hand-wringing over assuming the Captain America burden seems perfectly justified if this is the caliber of missions he will undertake.  Ultimately, Captain America’s shield is supposed to protect against danger—but not even vibranium can defend him from a script, a plot and action this oppressively bad.

02-12-25

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