Verdict: 3.5/5
‘Captain America: Brave New World’ is everything that is good about the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). I have been a massive Marvel fan for a lot of my life, I remember writing notes and investigating theories before ‘Avengers: Endgame’.
Since then, I must admit I have gotten a little bit lost in the MCU, something that a lot of Marvel fans can relate to. While I no longer have the same excitement for each Marvel movie that comes out, I was excited to see the newest installment of ‘Captain America’.
Captain America has always been my favourite of the MCU heroes, and it has just been reaffirmed after watching ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. He is undeniably good, unwavering in his values and will protect those he deems need it the most. This is true whether it is Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) or Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) holding the shield.
Evans really made the character through his time as the hero, it took seven movies worth of storytelling to make him the character he was. In his last appearance as the Cap in 2019’s ‘Avengers: Endgame’ the mantle, or the shield in this case, was passed to Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson to play the character in the future of the MCU.
‘Captain America: Brave New World’ follows Captain America through his support behind newly elected President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) as America tries to claim control of Celestial Island (from 2021’s Eternals) and its new element Adamantium (finally introduced into the MCU!). While not giving much away, 2008’s ‘The Incredible Hulk’ would be ideal to watch beforehand.
What follows is a political thriller that pins soldier against president. The third act surprise of the Red Hulk was given away in all the trailers, which I think made the pay off a little less exciting. Particularly given that the Red Hulk doesn’t make an appearance until the last 30 minutes of the movie. They were clearly after bums in seats over surprise.
In my opinion, it took a while for Mackie to find his feet in the role, whether that was the story or the actor’s fault, who knows? But this movie is really where he takes flight (literally because this Captain America has mechanical wings). One of the main things Wilson wrestles with is his decision to not take a super soldier serum, he is Captain America without the added strength his predecessor had. It makes Wilson innovate and find other ways to be Captain America. Mackie plays this so well and definitely shows off his acting chops in some of the film’s more tender moments.
The plot was an interesting political thriller that might be mirroring a bit close to what’s happening in America right now. The third act became a little gimmicky with some tacky CGI (which I imagine will be miraculously fixed when it comes to streaming) but overall, I did really enjoy the movie. It’s a fun two hours that doesn’t require too much thinking.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.