We have been patiently waiting for the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), hoping it would bring a fresh breath of excitement.
However, Captain America: Brave New World fails to deliver the much-needed spark, instead reiterating Marvel's past mistakes.
This movie, directed by Julius Onah, stumbles as it attempts to introduce a new era for the Avengers, leaning too heavily on the franchise's nostalgic foundations rather than creating something new and compelling.
Captain America: Brave New World
Video:Marvel Entertainment
Political Underpinnings with a Familiar Plot
At the heart of Brave New World lies a political narrative that attempts to mirror real-world tensions. The newly elected President Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, becomes the centerpiece of the story. His leadership promises to unite America in the face of extraterrestrial threats, but his persona is oddly similar to that of a power-hungry egotist, mirroring the traits of divisive political figures.
While this approach feels timely, the film never fully capitalizes on the opportunity to weave these themes into something more meaningful. Instead, it drowns in the echoes of past Marvel films and characters, making it hard to feel like we are watching a film of the present.
Uninspired Heroism from Sam Wilson
The biggest issue with Brave New World is the character of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), who has taken up the mantle of Captain America. Unlike Steve Rogers, who carried the shield with purpose and conviction, Sam struggles to prove he deserves the title.
Despite his determination, the character feels underdeveloped. With his Wakandan Falcon suit helping to level the playing field, Sam Wilson still lacks the depth needed to make his role truly engaging. While Mackie does his best, his portrayal comes across as more of a placeholder rather than a fully realized hero stepping into a legendary role.
Repetitive and Forgettable Plot Elements
Marvel's reliance on past stories is another problem that Brave New World cannot shake. The movie tries to tie back to 2008's The Incredible Hulk and the much-overlooked The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series. This lack of originality is evident, as the plot borrows heavily from earlier Marvel works, and there's little to no attempt to establish fresh ideas.
For viewers who may not recall the details of these older storylines, much of the film feels alien and disconnected. Characters like Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) and Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) are not given enough depth to truly matter in the larger context of the MCU. Their roles are shoehorned into the narrative, with no real exploration of their motivations or significance.
Missed Action and Unmemorable Villains
Action is a key ingredient for any Marvel movie, but Brave New World fails to live up to the spectacle fans expect. The fight scenes are uninspired, and the film relies too much on CGI to create its climactic moments.
The villain, Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), once a minor character, is given a strange and unappealing makeover that makes him more laughable than threatening. His transformation into a villainous figure lacks the necessary tension to make us care about his actions. The lack of memorable villains is a glaring flaw in a movie that should be showcasing high-stakes drama.
The MCU's Struggle for Relevance
The film's ultimate failure lies in the MCU's inability to recapture the excitement and unity that made its early phases so successful. The world has moved on since Endgame, and Brave New World does little to make us feel invested in the next phase of Marvel's expansive universe.
Instead, we are left with a bloated and directionless story that struggles to give us a reason to care about its new characters and their convoluted missions. It's clear that Marvel is attempting to lay the groundwork for future stories, but Brave New World only serves as a reminder that the magic that once captivated audiences has long since faded.
In the end, Captain America: Brave New World feels like a step backwards for the MCU. Rather than delivering an exciting new chapter for the Avengers, it rehashes old ideas, making it difficult for audiences to remain enthusiastic about the future of the franchise.
The film's lack of originality, combined with underwhelming performances and missed opportunities, leaves us questioning whether the MCU can ever reclaim its former glory. For now, we are left with a film that does little to justify its place in the Marvel canon.
