Captain America: Brave New World - A New Era for the MCU?

Mackie's slyly dogged Captain America has less superpower than his predecessor, and so does this movie. But in its prosaic, earthbound way, it escapes superhero fatigue. The release of “Captain America: Brave New World” marks a significant moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It’s the first Marvel film in six months, and more importantly, the first since 2022 to center around a classic Marvel superhero, following the somewhat divisive releases of “Thor: Love and Thunder” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” This period saw many question whether the magic of comic-book movies, or at least their widespread appeal, was waning. The massive box-office success of “Deadpool & Wolverine” ($636 million domestic) seemed to quell these doubts, yet the MCU's 35-film expanse has undeniably led to a sense of repetition, fueling concerns about superhero fatigue.

A More Grounded Captain America

With the extensive backstory from the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021) now integrated into the Avengers saga, “Brave New World” requires some prior knowledge. Anthony Mackie's debut as Sam Wilson, inheriting the Captain America mantle from Chris Evans' Steve Rogers, presents a more grounded, less overtly powerful hero. Wilson's Captain America lacks Rogers' serum-enhanced invincibility. He's a formidable hand-to-hand combatant, heavily reliant on his vibranium shield and wingsuit. This makes him more akin to Iron Man, though Tony Stark's defining characteristic was Robert Downey Jr.'s charismatic wit. Mackie's performance captures Wilson's all-too-mortal essence, a determined effort to live up to the legacy of his predecessor. This raises a question: wasn't the original Captain America…more super?

A Prosaic Geopolitical Thriller

Despite these initial observations, “Brave New World” finds its footing in this very earthbound quality. The film, deeply connected to previous installments (epic imprisonments, adamantium, Sebastian Stan!), functions as a standalone adventure, balancing action sequences with the elements of a gritty geopolitical thriller. Unlike some recent MCU films criticized for excessive CGI and convoluted multiverse plots, this movie offers a more straightforward narrative. It’s a superhero story grounded in reality, avoiding the pitfalls of over-the-top spectacle and delivering a competent, engaging experience that doesn't feel like a rehash of previous storylines. The film successfully escapes the pitfalls that have plagued other Marvel entries, creating a balanced narrative.

The Plot Thickens: A White House Conspiracy

The narrative opens with Wilson's invitation to the White House for the Celestial Island World Summit, hosted by the newly elected President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford), replacing the late William Hurt. Ross and Wilson share a complicated history, and Wilson attempts to reconcile their past by bringing Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), a former super-soldier imprisoned and experimented on for decades, to the summit. However, a shocking assassination attempt on the President unfolds, with Isaiah among the would-be assassins. Surveillance footage reveals a mysterious trigger mechanism, launching Wilson and Danny Ramirez's Falcon on a mission to uncover the culprit.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Director Julius Onah delivers a compelling and straightforward portrayal of the unfolding conspiracy. The investigation leads them to Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), a cellular biologist transformed into a formidable villain through Bruce Banner's blood. Instead of a typical world-domination scheme, Sterns devises a more nuanced plan: to provoke President Ross into a military conflict with Japan over adamantium. This hinges on exploiting Ross's inherent anger and aggression.

A President with Anger Management Issues

Harrison Ford's portrayal of President Ross stands out. He eschews the typical stoic presidential figure, instead presenting a character reminiscent of a volatile Ronald Reagan. Ford masterfully conveys Ross's simmering instability, constantly teetering on the edge of eruption. The anticipation of Ford's potential outburst fuels the suspense, culminating in Ross's transformation into the Red Hulk, setting the stage for a climactic showdown.

A Timely Reflection?

While not explicitly topical, “Brave New World” presents subtle parallels to current events. Sterns' mind-control methods reflect the depersonalization associated with AI, while the disintegration of the old world order echoes the unpredictable nature of global politics. Shira Haas's Ruth Bat-Seraph, an Israeli former Black Widow and head of presidential security, adds another layer of complexity. Tim Blake Nelson's Sterns embodies the campy villainy that is typical of the MCU.

A Necessary Pit Stop

“Captain America: Brave New World” serves as a transitional film, a pit stop in the MCU's ongoing efforts to reboot the Avengers. It isn't revolutionary, but it offers a reasonably entertaining experience. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, the film's strengths lie in the performances of its leads and its straightforward narrative.

The Verdict: A Solid, if Unremarkable, Entry

The movie's success hinges on Anthony Mackie's performance. His portrayal of Captain America, while different from the original, works remarkably well. His ability to convey vulnerability amidst adversity is compelling and establishes his unique take on the iconic role. Harrison Ford’s depiction of President Ross adds a layer of intrigue and unpredictability to the film. While the plot occasionally feels rushed to get to the next action sequence, overall, the film maintains its coherence. 'Captain America: Brave New World' offers a solid but predictable entry into the ongoing MCU saga. It may not redefine the superhero genre, but provides a reasonably diverting watch for Marvel fans and newcomers alike. It is a testament to Marvel's ongoing ability to consistently produce popcorn entertainment and serves as a solid bridge to the next phase of the cinematic universe.