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The Marvel Cinematic Universe released its first project of the year, “Captain America: Brave New World,” on Feb. 14. After the film’s release, it began to receive controversial reactions.
While some Marvel fans enjoyed this film as the MCU continues to be great in its “come back era,” others thought that this was one of the “worst” Marvel films that the MCU has put out. Was this film really that bad?
The story of the film starts off with Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, Captain America, rescuing hostages. We follow Wilson as he works to steal a classified government sample back from a group of terrorists, the Serpent Society. This mission is accomplished with help from Joaquin Torres, Falcon, played by Danny Ramirez.
After saving the hostages and acquiring the classified government sample Wilson and Torres, along with super soldier Isiah Bradley, played by Carl Lumbly, get invited to the White House by President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford. Ross then pulls Wilson aside to talk to him about rebuilding the Avengers.
Soon after, Ross makes an announcement that the classified government sample is actually a new metal called adamantium that the government discovered on Celestial Island (previously seen in “Eternals”). Ross says that this metal will help provide the world with more resources, and then the unexpected happens.
My overall opinion on this film is that it was good, not great, but good.
I personally believe that this film, compared to the previous Captain America projects, lives up to them because this film is more grounded, instead of being fantastical like the previous MCU projects were. Another thing that I enjoyed about this film was the action, especially the final fight sequence.
However, the main thing I thought was great about this film was that the story stood on its own. The past few MCU projects were nothing but background information for the next Avengers film. This story just focused on our main character’s journey as the new Captain America, but the film makes references to audiences to remind them that the film still exists within the MCU.
As for performances Mackie was phenomenal as Captain America. I do feel that many audiences think that Steve Rogers should be the one true Captain America, but Wilson soars high to let audiences know that he can handle the title in his own way.
The main standout of the film is none other than Ford. His performance as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross was outstanding and you could tell that he was having fun with the role.
My only gripe with this film is that the pacing was a bit off and sometimes felt rushed. Some of the effects of this film were weird and you could tell when a green screen was used. Ultimately my score for this film is an 8/10, not for being the perfect Captain America film, but a good one.
Peter Caram is a columnist. Contact him at [email protected].