Captain America: Brave New World
Similar to Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame succeeding under immense pressure to conclude a decade of MCU films in epic style, Captain America: Brave New World overcomes its own set of challenging obstacles in laudable fashion.
In addition to the great expectations of being the first feature film with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) wielding Steve Rogers’ title (and iconic shield), the penultimate installment in Phase Five is narratively saddled with storylines stemming from two of the MCU’s worst efforts — and takes nearly all of it in stride.
Light and nimble at just under two hours, Brave New World maximizes its runtime with a series of thrilling action set pieces that director/co-writer Julius Onah (The Cloverfield Paradox; Luce) enacts with palpable freshness.
From a challenging opening op in Mexico to a celebratory summit at the White House with President Ross (Harrison Ford, taking over for the late William Hurt) that goes horribly wrong, compelling battles and political intrigue remain at the forefront of this adventure as it gradually becomes clear that some unseen force is pulling the strings and every seemingly unconnected new event is happening on purpose.
In our increasingly volatile and divided real world, it's especially encouraging to see Sam’s negotiation and violence mitigation expertise at the center of his efforts. And while certain viewers will dismissively call the casting a DEI commercial, it's refreshing to see Sam paired with wrongfully abused super soldier Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) and delightful trainee Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez, Top Gun: Maverick) — and up against evil mercenary Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito) and Ross’ head of security, Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas) — particularly during Black History Month when minorities’ rights are under attack and antisemitism is again on the rise.
Despite choosing to resurrect stories from MCU weak links The Eternals (which mostly makes sense, considering all it set up) and 2008’s The Incredible Hulk (huh?), the writing team makes it work like a super-serum’d Tim Gunn. And while Ford plays Ross jarringly cuddly in his initial scenes, he quickly accesses his salty side and taps into the jingoistic fury that made Hurt’s interpretation so menacing over the years.
Perhaps sensing a need to lure burned-out MCU fans back to theaters, Marvel Studios’ promotional team hasn't been secretive about what drives Ross’ temperament and has put his Red Hulk at the center of its ad campaign. But they needn’t lack confidence in Sam’s big debut, which likely would have proved even more exciting if trailers and official press photos hadn't spoiled the twist.
Onah’s confident work may not be on par with MCU apex Civil War, but the two films show just how far the series has progressed from the competent yet innocuous The First Avenger and the poorly directed and unimaginatively written The Winter Soldier.
May this Captain America live long and prosper, and may Onah and his team have a seat at the Marvel table (and beyond) for as long as they'd like.
Grade: B-plus. Rated PG-13. Now playing at AMC River Hills 10, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co., Carolina Cinemark, and Regal Biltmore Grande.
(Photo: Walt Disney Studios)
