After previously starring in ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,’ Anthony Mackie takes on the beloved role of Captain America in ‘Brave New World’. (Courtesy Marvel Studios)
After previously starring in ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,’ Anthony Mackie takes on the beloved role of Captain America in ‘Brave New World’. (Courtesy Marvel Studios)

‘Brave New World’ surprises fans and disappoints critics 

   In a cinematic landscape constantly changing with superhero spectacles, Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” arrives as a thrilling and action-packed addition to the beloved franchise. Despite the lukewarm critical reception, fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are having a much more positive response, captivated by the movie’s dynamic action sequences, commendable performances, and impressive visual effects. 

   “Brave New World” steps into uncharted territory as it navigates the post-Endgame universe, with Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson embracing the Captain America mantle. The movie follows Sam Wilson through his journey as the new symbol of America and the struggles between balancing his ethics and the tasks he must accomplish. The transition is not just symbolic but also reflective of deeper themes explored throughout the film, which aims to analyze what it means to uphold American symbols in a rapidly changing world. 

   From the start, the film grips audiences with relentless action, skillfully crafted by director Julius Onah. The battle scenes display a mastery of pace and tension and are elevated by the notable visual effects that seamlessly integrate CGI elements with real-world stunts, creating a visually striking experience for viewers.

  The movie truly shines in its acting ensemble. After starring in the Disney+ series, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Mackie delivers a compelling performance, capturing the inner conflicts and responsibilities that come with his new role. He brings depth and relatable heroism that resonates with the audience. 

   Danny Ramirez’s portrayal of Joaquin Torres is equally as impressive. Torres is Wilson’s right- hand man and close friend. Ramirez’s character balances close-quarter combat with moments of humor and vulnerability, providing an anchor for the film’s emotional core. 

   One of the standout elements of the film is the exploration of legacy and identity. The narrative delves into Wilson’s struggle to live up to Steve Rogers’ legacy, providing a moving storyline that intertwines personal growth with superhero duties.

   After two complete reshoots of the films, the movie’s reception from critics has been tepid, with some pointing out pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots. The movie has a Rotten Tomato score of 51 percent, but an 80 percent from viewer and fan ratings. Online forums and social media platforms are abuzz with fan theories and debates, indicating the movie’s success in sparking engagement and enthusiasm. 

  “Brave New World” exceeded expectations because of the amount of suspense and rich plot that the movie possessed. Online reviews had created doubts about the film and recent MCU movies have been very disappointing, but after seeing the movie, most were very pleased by the amount of action. Although this film was not one of the best MCU films, it still had viewers on the edge of their seats almost the whole time and the visuals were appealing. 

   The movie is, at times, difficult to follow. Fans who have not seen “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” or “The Incredible Hulk” may find the plot of the movie confusing, and may not know certain characters that are vital to the film. 

  The movie is rated PG-13 and has a run time of one hour and 58 minutes, making it one of Marvel’s shortest films.