Captain America: Brave New World

REVIEW:

(Minor Spoilers Ahead)

The latest entry in the MCU, Captain America: Brave New World, is an ambitious yet uneven attempt at solidifying Sam Wilson’s role as the new Captain America. While it delivers some enjoyable action sequences and intriguing setup for the future of the franchise, the film struggles under the weight of its troubled production history. The final product feels disjointed, as if various creative directions were stitched together to form a cohesive story, but the seams remain visible.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the film is the sense that it exists more as a placeholder than a fully realised narrative. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier already did the heavy lifting in establishing Sam as Captain America, yet this movie still feels the need to justify his position. The story lacks a clear sense of urgency or stakes, making it feel like filler before the next big Avengers instalment. The battle at Celestial Island is a prime example—it’s visually engaging but ultimately lacks weight, as the potential geopolitical fallout between the USA and Japan never feels fully explored.

Character dynamics, which have often been a strong point in Captain America films, also feel lacking here. The new Falcon, played by Danny Ramirez, didn’t work for me—not due to the actor’s performance, but because his character came across as too flippant. He didn’t seem to take anything seriously, which undercut the chemistry that should have existed between him and Sam. This contrast becomes even more apparent during Bucky’s brief but effective cameo, reminding us of the natural camaraderie that made The Winter Soldier so compelling. Similarly, Shira Haas’s character, Sabra, is severely underutilised, which is disappointing given her potential. It feels like much of her role may have been left on the cutting room floor.

Sam’s reliance on Wakandan tech and Redwing was another aspect that left me conflicted. While I understand the need to level the playing field since he isn’t a super soldier, I would have preferred to see him lean more on his strategic thinking and hand-to-hand combat skills. One of the things that made Steve Rogers so compelling was his ability to outthink his opponents as much as outfight them. This film doesn’t give Sam enough moments to showcase his own unique strengths beyond the suit’s enhancements.

That’s not to say the movie is without positives. Harrison Ford delivers a strong performance as President Ross, bringing gravitas to his scenes and making the political backdrop of the film more engaging. Additionally, the introduction of adamantium into the MCU is a significant development, subtly paving the way for the eventual arrival of the X-Men. It’s a smart way to expand the universe organically, rather than just dropping mutants into the story out of nowhere.

One of the more emotionally resonant moments in the film is Isaiah Bradley’s return to prison, a scene that adds depth to Sam’s motivations. Sam investigating the failed assassination attempt on President Ross, which Isaiah was blamed for, gives the film some much-needed emotional weight. This subplot, which could have been the heart of the film, deserved more attention. Watching Sam piece together the truth would have made for a much stronger narrative than the fragmented political and action-driven storyline we got. Another highlight was the return of Samuel Sterns (The Leader). While his redesign is a bit jarring, it’s great to see a long-forgotten MCU character finally get his due. However, the same can’t be said for Liv Tyler’s return as Betty Ross. She’s only in one scene, which feels like a wasted opportunity. Either they should have incorporated her better into the story or left her out entirely, as her brief appearance adds little to the overall film.

In the end, Captain America: Brave New World isn’t a bad film, but it’s far from a standout MCU entry. It suffers from the telltale signs of a troubled production—reshoots, recasting, and a last-minute title change all contribute to its inconsistent tone. While it lays the groundwork for future stories, it doesn’t do enough to justify its own existence beyond being a stepping stone. There’s enjoyment to be found, but as a whole, it lands squarely in the middle of the MCU rankings—watchable, but forgettable.