“Captain America: Brave New World” is the first Captain America movie to feature Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), previously known by Marvel fans as The Falcon, as the new Captain America.
“Brave New World” exceeded Disney’s expectations of $100 million opening weekend, garnering $192.4 million globally. Some major characters seen in the film, besides Sam, are Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) and Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez). Directed by Julius Onah, the film follows the story line created in the series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” which is essential viewing to understand how Sam became Captain America.
The movie itself is about Sam’s transition to being the new Captain America and his tension with Ross, who is an antagonist in the movie due to his identity as the Red Hulk. The movie’s main conflict is seeking creation of a treaty between the U.S., France, India, and Japan for the discovery of a new material named Adamantium on Celestial Island.
Chris Evans set the bar high for the role of Captain America, but despite certain issues with “Brave New World,” the storyline had me hooked throughout the almost two hour runtime.
The movie starts with Sam and Joaquin, who are working for the U.S. government, being sent to Oaxaca, Mexico, to stop the Serpent Society led by Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito). After a battle-heavy scene, Joaquin completes the mission, but Sidewinder escapes.
After their successful repossession, Ross invites Sam and Joaquin to a summit at the White House with world leaders. Sam accepts, only under the condition that Isaiah Bradely (Carl Lumbly) is extended an invite as well. Bradley was present in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” who is a super soldier who was imprisoned and tested on by the U.S. government for 30 years.
The beginning of the film is certainly riveting, but there’s things that the movie lacks in comparison to earlier Captain America movies that you should know about before deciding to watch.
One flaw was the multiple plot lines going in and out throughout the film. At times it was difficult to follow all of them. Between the issues with Serpent, a peace treaty, a mystery villain featured in the trailer, and Ross’ own arc that was later introduced, it’s confusing to comprehend the names and identity of each character when their appearances happen so infrequently.
Mackie is a great actor, but his demeanor as the Falcon doesn’t translate well to the personality of Captain America, especially toward the end of the film. For most of the movie, Wilson seems out of character not only for himself, but also the Avengers franchise. This seems more due to the writing and switches in Wilson’s personality, not due to Mackie’s own acting talent.
On the upside, Ford and Lumbly’s acting throughout the movie was one of the most memorable parts about the film. Ford’s talent is palpable throughout “Brave New World,” and he takes on the role of once villain turned anti-hero incredibly well. Lumbly’s scenes are moving, and his performance as Isaiah Bradley is one of the best parts of the movie.
“Brave New World” didn’t live up to Steve Roger’s legacy, and Sam Wilson didn’t exactly fill the gaping hole Steve Roger’s left, but it wasn’t an absolutely terrible movie. All in all, you have to take the good with the bad when studios try to keep a franchise’s fire burning for as long as they can.
It’s unclear when “Brave New World” will arrive on Disney+ and be able to be purchased on other streaming services.
