The fourth installment in the Captain America franchise sees Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) fully embracing his role as the new Captain America, tackling global conflicts and political intrigue in a story that’s equal parts espionage thriller and superhero action.
Plot Overview
The film kicks off with Wilson and Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) intercepting an illegal adamantium deal in Mexico, setting off a global power struggle over the coveted metal. This leads to the intervention of President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), who attempts to broker a treaty to distribute adamantium fairly. However, a shocking attack led by Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) disrupts diplomatic efforts, resulting in Bradley’s arrest and Wilson’s dismissal from his role.
Determined to uncover the true orchestrator behind the attack, Wilson and Torres embark on a dangerous mission that unveils a mind-control conspiracy led by Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson). Meanwhile, political tensions erupt into conflict between the US and Japan, and Ross undergoes a terrifying transformation into Red Hulk, leading to a climactic showdown with Captain America.
What Works
✅ Anthony Mackie as Captain America – Mackie steps into Steve Rogers’ shoes with a grounded, human approach, bringing both resilience and vulnerability to the role. His action sequences are well-executed, and his dynamic with Torres (Danny Ramirez) adds much-needed camaraderie and levity.
✅ Action-Packed Set Pieces – From adrenaline-fueled aerial battles to the brutal hand-to-hand showdown between Wilson and Red Hulk, the film delivers some edge-of-the-seat thrills. The political espionage elements also add tension, reminiscent of The Winter Soldier.
✅ Harrison Ford’s Presence – Taking over from the late William Hurt, Ford gives gravitas to Thaddeus Ross, who straddles the line between a strategic leader and a dangerous force. His transformation into Red Hulk is one of the film’s biggest highlights.
✅ Strong Supporting Cast – Danny Ramirez shines as Torres/Falcon, bringing charm and energy. Shira Haas, as Ruth Bat-Seraph, is a standout, adding intensity as Ross’s head of security. Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns/The Leader is a formidable, calculated villain.
What Falls Short
❌ Convoluted Plot & Pacing Issues – The movie juggles political tensions, mind control, and global conflicts, making the narrative overstuffed. At times, the film struggles to balance spectacle with depth, leading to pacing issues, especially in the middle act.
❌ Missed Emotional Depth – While Wilson’s journey without the super-soldier serum presents an opportunity to explore his self-doubt and challenges, the film doesn’t delve deeply into his internal struggles as it could have.
❌ Underwhelming CGI – While the action is thrilling, some CGI-heavy sequences (particularly Red Hulk’s transformation) feel a bit inconsistent in quality.
Final Verdict: A Worthy but Flawed Installment
While Brave New World doesn’t reach the heights of The Winter Soldier, it delivers an entertaining mix of action, political intrigue, and superhero spectacle. Anthony Mackie cements his place as Captain America, and the Red Hulk showdown is worth the wait, even if the film’s cluttered narrative and uneven pacing hold it back.
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5 – A solid, action-heavy chapter in the MCU, but not quite a home run.
