Jericho, New York, U.S.A. – The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has had its fair share of highs and lows, and with the release of Captain America: Brave New World, fans were left wondering if the latest installment could live up to its predecessors. As someone who has been a devoted Marvel fan, watching every release since the beginning, I went into this movie with cautious optimism—especially after seeing mixed critic reviews. And to my surprise, Brave New World turned out to be far more enjoyable than expected.

Captain America: Brave New World Review – Anthony Mackie as Captain America.

It’s been nearly a decade since we last saw a Captain America solo film. The legacy started with Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), followed by The Winter Soldier (2014) and Civil War (2016). However, this time, the mantle is passed from Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), following the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019). While this transition began in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the movie builds upon that foundation and finally lets Sam Wilson step into his own as the new Captain America.

A Fresh Yet Familiar Captain America

Stepping into the shoes of Steve Rogers is no easy task, and Sam Wilson had big expectations to meet. The film does a commendable job of showcasing his evolution, highlighting his struggle with leadership, identity, and responsibility. Anthony Mackie delivers a compelling performance, embodying the ideals of Captain America while bringing his own personal touch to the role. His interactions with Joaquín Torres (Danny Ramírez), the new Falcon, add a fresh and dynamic element to the storyline. Torres fits seamlessly into the narrative, offering witty and engaging moments that help lighten the film’s tone.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Brave New World

While the film shines in many aspects, it also has its shortcomings. One of the biggest issues is the overwhelming number of villains. With so many antagonists vying for screen time, it becomes difficult to stay invested in a single conflict. The plot moves at a relentless pace, sometimes assuming that viewers remember every detail from past movies and TV series. For those who haven’t watched The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, some plot points may feel disjointed or underexplained.

Another issue is the integration of Disney+ series narratives into the main MCU films. While it’s great to see a connected universe, this approach risks alienating casual viewers who may not have followed every episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The movie struggles to balance exposition with action, leaving certain storylines underdeveloped.

A Promising Future for Marvel

Despite its flaws, Captain America: Brave New World is an enjoyable film that brings excitement and new energy to the franchise. Sam Wilson’s journey as Captain America is just beginning, and this movie sets the stage for even bigger things to come. With strong performances, witty dialogue, and engaging action sequences, Brave New World is definitely worth a watch for Marvel fans. While not a perfect film, it successfully introduces a new era of Captain America and leaves audiences eager for what’s next in the MCU.