“Captain America: Brave New World” continues the story from “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier”, with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) fully stepping into his role as Captain America.
The film follows Sam and Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), the new Falcon, as they undertake a mission to recover Adamantium. However, things take a shocking turn when Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) and other soldiers attempt to assassinate President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford).
This sets Sam on a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth and protect the world.
While the setup is intriguing, the film feels episodic, assuming familiarity with past MCU entries rather than immersing viewers in a fresh narrative.
Despite strong performances from the supporting cast—Harrison Ford’s volatile President, Giancarlo Esposito’s commanding villain, and Shira Haas’s standout action sequences—the film falters in execution.
Director Julius Onah’s framing choices create detachment, while choppy editing and obscure cinematography make action sequences frustrating to follow. The script simplifies conflicts, bypassing real obstacles, and the relentless score often overwhelms quieter moments.
While Anthony Mackie delivers in key interactions with Ramirez, Sam Wilson’s personal stakes remain underdeveloped.
Ultimately, “Brave New World” explores the weight of responsibility but struggles to deliver a compelling emotional impact, settling for good enough rather than truly soaring.
Letter Grade: C+