Captain America: Brave New World Review: Shielded but Shaky: Anthony Mackie’s Uneven Return

Title: Captain America: Brave New World

Director: Julius Onah

Cast: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly

Where: In theatres near you

Rating: 3 Stars

This film attempts to balance high-stakes political intrigue, blockbuster action, and franchise continuity. Still, in trying to do it all, it delivers a film that is more functional than memorable. While Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson confidently wields the shield, the movie struggles to carry its weight, landing somewhere between an ambitious political thriller and a standard superhero outing.

This is the fourth Captain America Film and the 35th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Picking up after the 2021 television miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the film finds Sam Wilson fully embracing his role as Captain America—minus the super-soldier serum, which makes him an underdog by default. Mackie brings warmth and determination to the role, portraying a hero who isn’t defined by brute strength but by resilience and strategy. However, the film rarely gives him the space to redefine what Captain America means in this new era, instead burdening him with the mechanical plot beats of an MCU placeholder.

The narrative orbits around geopolitical tensions, the discovery of adamantium, and the emergence of new threats, including the return of Tim Blake Nelson’s The Leader. Yet, instead of an intriguing, slow-burn conspiracy, the film rushes through its plot points, trading depth for exposition-heavy dialogue and rapid-fire developments. The Leader, despite years of buildup, is relegated to the background, a disappointing fate for a villain with such potential. Meanwhile, President Thunderbolt Ross (Harrison Ford, gruff and commanding) is given more to do—particularly when he undergoes his transformation into the Red Hulk—but his arc feels more like spectacle than substance.

The action sequences, at least, deliver some of the film’s most thrilling moments. Sam’s agility and aerial combat skills are well-utilized, and his battle against the monstrous Red Hulk is a standout, reminiscent of classic David vs. Goliath showdowns. The choreography is sharp, and the physicality of Mackie’s performance makes these moments feel earned rather than gratuitous. However, the film’s visuals don’t always match its ambition; while Red Hulk is impressively rendered, many backdrops feel unpolished, lending an unfortunate TV-like quality to the cinematography.

Beyond its core trio, the supporting cast offers mixed results. Carl Lumbly’s Isaiah Bradley remains a compelling presence, providing much-needed emotional depth, while Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres steps up as the new Falcon, adding energy to the ensemble. Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder, though criminally underused, injects a bit of menace, though the film struggles to juggle its many characters effectively.

Tonally, Brave New World flirts with the grittiness of The Winter Soldier but ultimately lacks its precision. The film’s humor often feels shoehorned in, undercutting moments that should carry more weight. While there are flashes of inspiration—particularly in its commentary on leadership and responsibility—the film never fully commits to a singular vision, resulting in an experience that feels competent but uninspired.

For die-hard MCU fans, there’s enough here to warrant a watch, but Brave New World doesn’t elevate itself beyond franchise maintenance. It’s a serviceable chapter in the ever-expanding Marvel saga, but one that, like its protagonist, is still figuring out how to truly stand apart.