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People just can't be pleased. This is an unusual way for me to start my review, but here we go. This is a film that has been troubled for some time, with multiple reshoots, course corrections and of course folks that just can't get behind anyone but Chris Evan's Steve Rogers being Captain America. There are other variables, but to put it simply this film was poised to encounter an uphill climb. As a long time stalwart MCU fan, I have only one question. Is "Brave New World" any good? My review follows below.
I will begin by saying that the reviews of this film exhibit both a bias and unwillingness to appreciate a good old fashioned popcorn action movie. Is BNW going to be Winter Soldier? No. Will it be another Avengers level film? Again no. Is it successful in its attempt at launching a soft reboot of Captain America going forward? The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Honestly the ability to link this movie with 2008's Incredible Hulk was nothing short of brilliant including a flashback segment featuring Harrison Ford as a younger Thaddeus (Thunderbolt) Ross. In effect, BNW is a natural sequel to the Hulk. Of equal achievement is Feige and Co's bringing in Phase 4's 'Eternals' for a key plot element. Make no mistake, this film endeavors to do much including the inevitable introduction of the MCU's own version of Wolverine at some point.
The pacing was perfect. The action sequences while not next level to the extent of Winter Soldier, the film that redefined Marvel films, they are nonetheless top shelf. Concerns of Sam Wilson's (Anthony Mackie) not being up to par power wise are quickly allayed via Wakanda tech and of course the fact Mackie has essentially been playing both the Falcon now Cap for nearly a decade. Danny Ramirez is Joacquin Torres, the new Falcon. He is glib funny and loyal. His 'training' with Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) is one of the film's better segments. Now while one does not need to have watched "Falcon and Winter Soldier" to enjoy this film, it certainly improves context. Lumbly is fantastic in this role. His 'activation' is shades of "Civil War" but pushes the narrative.
The return of Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) creates a perfect introduction to the man who will become the Leader. Nelson is as good here as he was in 2008's Hulk film. Some will complain about his gamma enhanced appearance but honestly, if it had been comic book accurate, it would have garnered ridicule. Nelson plays the role with vengeful sly malevolence and crafts a plan involving the now president Ross (Harrison Ford seeming more rejuvenated than he has in years) that is absolutely brilliant. Ross claims he is a new man and endeavors to broker an accord with Japan to share the discovery of adamantium. The film is very much a spy thriller. Ross' motivations are meant to be obtuse and it is unfortunate that we as viewers know too much in advance about his link with Red Hulk. Ford is solid in this role.
Giancarlo Esposito's Serpent Society leader "Sidewinder" was an excellent character. His fight with Sam was equally excellent. The back and forth between the two stands to inform a connection for years to come. Sidewinder isn't going anywhere. Again, some complained that he is more grounded than his source material character but that in time could change or he could remain a grounded character. In any case, he makes a strong impression.
The entire transformation sequence into the Red Hulk is superior. For any who complain about poor CGI with Marvel over the past few years, BNW presents a perfect rendering of Red Hulk. The fight scenes at the White House are as cool as they are metaphorical of the current political clime. The Leader presents himself as the hero of the piece and in reality while he is villainous, he is not a pure villain. He has been wronged and the vengeance he wreaks while brutal is on point.
The film however avoids an over reliance on action. There is a tight plot and the writing team must again be commended for the last minute re-do of the character of Sabra, a controversial character now reimagined as a former widow Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas) and lead of the president's security team. She is capable and while loyal to the president, ultimately she proves to be a force of good.
Ultimately "Brave New World" does what it sets out to do, provide an entertaining yarn with cool potential for arcs moving forward. To me and mine, this film is a return to form. continuing the trajectory set by Deadpool and Wolverine. To those who are condemning it in advance of seeing it, "haters gonna hate". Give it a chance, its a great film. Marvel's next two forays were featured in the previews and both "Thunderbolts" and "Fantastic Four" seem poised to continue the legacy that is Marvel. Marvel remains the 'house of ideas'.
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Captain America: Brave New World
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- Reviewed in Canada on May 18, 2025
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