OnCulture Reviews... Captain America: Brave New World – A Solid, If Flawed, Addition to the MCU
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has always been a mixed bag when it comes to sequels and new chapters, and Captain America: Brave New World is no exception. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Winter Soldier or Civil War, it’s a fun, action-packed ride that gives Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson the spotlight he deserves. However, the film’s journey to the screen—marked by delays, a title change, and extensive reshoots—leaves its mark on the final product. Here’s our take on the latest Cap adventure.
The Good: Mackie Shines as a Relatable Cap
Anthony Mackie steps into the role of Captain America with ease, bringing a grounded, human quality to the character. Unlike Steve Rogers’ almost mythic presence, Sam Wilson feels like a regular guy trying to do the right thing in an increasingly complicated world. Mackie’s performance is the heart of the film, and his charisma carries even the weaker moments.
His chemistry with Danny Ramirez, who returns as Joaquin Torres, is another highlight. The duo’s banter and camaraderie add a buddy-cop dynamic that’s both entertaining and endearing. It’s clear that Marvel is setting up Torres for a bigger role in the future, and this film does a solid job of laying the groundwork.
Harrison Ford’s debut as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross is another standout. Ford brings a gravitas to the role that William Hurt’s interpretation never quite achieved. His presence elevates every scene he’s in, and his interactions with Sam add a layer of political intrigue to the story.
Shira Haas joins the cast as Ruth Bat-Seraph, and while her performance is strong, her character feels underutilized. Haas has a magnetic screen presence, but her role often feels like a plot device rather than a fully realized character. It’s a missed opportunity, but hopefully, Marvel will give her more to do in future installments.
The Action: Highs and Lows
The action sequences are a mixed bag. When they’re good, they’re really good. Sam Wilson’s aerial combat scenes, where he uses his wings as both shields and weapons, are some of the most inventive and thrilling moments in the film. The choreography is crisp, and the special effects shine in these moments.
However, the film’s reshoots are painfully obvious in certain scenes, with jarring CGI and awkward edits pulling you out of the experience. It’s a reminder that even Marvel isn’t immune to the pitfalls of rushed production schedules. The reshoots, reportedly done to adjust the tone and pacing, leave some scenes feeling disjointed. While they don’t ruin the film, they do detract from its overall polish.
The Villains: A Missed Opportunity
Giancarlo Esposito plays the film’s primary antagonist, and while he brings his usual intensity and commitment to the role, his character feels underdeveloped. The script doesn’t give him much to work with, and his motivations are left frustratingly vague.
The same can be said for Sidewinder, who serves as the film’s secondary villain. While the action between Sidewinder and Cap is well-executed, the lack of depth in both villains makes their confrontations feel less impactful than they could have been.
The Emotional Core: Bucky’s Return
One of the film’s strongest moments comes with the return of Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). His appearance isn’t just a fan-service cameo—it’s a meaningful addition that adds emotional depth to the story. The history between Sam and Bucky is palpable, and their interactions range from genuinely funny to deeply heartfelt. Mackie and Stan’s chemistry is undeniable, and their buddy-cop dynamic is a highlight of the film.
The Production Journey: Starts, Stops, and a Name Change
Captain America: Brave New World had a rocky road to the big screen. Originally titled New World Order, the film underwent a name change, reportedly to avoid associations with conspiracy theories. While the new title fits the story’s themes of rebuilding and forging a new path, it’s hard not to wonder if the original title might have added a layer of intrigue.
The film also faced multiple delays, partly due to the extensive reshoots. While reshoots are common in big-budget films, their impact is particularly noticeable here. Some scenes feel rushed or tonally inconsistent, and the CGI in these moments is noticeably weaker. It’s clear that Marvel was striving for a cohesive vision, but the seams show more than they should.
The Verdict: A Good, Not Great, MCU Entry
Captain America: Brave New World is a solid addition to the MCU, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Marvel’s best. Anthony Mackie’s performance as Sam Wilson is the film’s strongest asset, and the action sequences—when done right—are a blast to watch. However, underdeveloped villains, uneven special effects, and the impact of reshoots hold it back from being truly great.
That said, the film has plenty of rewatch appeal, thanks to its inventive action and the charm of its lead characters. It’s a step in the right direction for Sam Wilson’s Cap, and it sets up some intriguing possibilities for the future of the MCU.
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