Movie review: ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ a gamma-radiated ’90s spy-thriller
While not groundbreaking, “Captain America: Brave New World” feels a like ’90s spy-thriller souped up on gamma radiation. Anthony Mackie IS Captain America and cements himself as the Star-Spangled Man, making for one heck of a time.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t incredibly worried about “Captain America: Brave New World” before seeing it. We all heard about the extensive story changes, reshoots, and test screenings for well over a year before anyone had an actual chance to see it. On top of all that, Sam Wilson as Captain America is one of my favorite comic characters of all time, so there was added worry that if I didn’t enjoy the film, I wouldn’t only be bummed that I didn’t like it, I would’ve been heart broken how Marvel wasted this story arc. Now, having seen the film, I can happily say “Captain America: Brave New World” does not disappoint.
Give credit where credit is due: Anthony Mackie is a bona fide star in “Captain America: Brave New World,” proving he IS the new face of the MCU, and I couldn’t be happier. While we got to see some of it in the 2021 Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” I really enjoy the way Marvel is playing the differences between Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson. While both characters stand for the same things, Sam handles things very differently than Steve due to different circumstances. It’s honestly refreshing.
Photo by Eli Adé / Marvel
Since the Captain America series tends to be really grounded — and because 2014’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” set such a high standard of what a “grounded” MCU film should be — I was worried about if the tone and action of “Captain America: Brave New World” would reach that level, or even come close. While “Brave New World” never reaches the true heights of “Winter Soldier,” the action had me on the edge of my seat. There are some REALLY good combat sequences, and one moment that gave me a jump scare because I was so locked in to what was happening on screen.
The filmmakers really committed to the spy-thriller genre for “Captain America: Brave New World.” The way the movie is shot, the story, the score, everything follows a similar formula that we would expect. But while “Winter Soldier” is more of a modern take on a spy-thriller, “Brave New World” feels more like a 1990s-era spy-thriller. While some might not enjoy the “cheesy” aspects of the film that come with that ’90s-like vibe, I found myself having a great time with it.
Photo by Eli Adé / Marvel
To answer some questions, yes, Harrison Ford is great as Thaddeus Ross (replacing the late William Hurt as the longtime MCU character). Yes, this movie moves the overarching MCU plot. No, the CGI isn’t perfect the entire movie. Yes, there are some surprises. And yes, it’s worth seeing in IMAX.
I can tell you right now, for some people “Captain America: Brave New World” is not going to be their cup of tea. That’s okay. It’s my cup of tea, and I’d drink a whole gallon if they gave it to me. It may not be perfect, but I can sleep easy knowing Marvel didn’t ruin Captain America. I will be seeing it a few more times.
SCORE: 4/5
“Captain America: Brave New World” is rated PG-13 and is in theaters Feb. 14! There is one post-credit scene.
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