Captain America: Brave New World soars despite critics
Film Review: ‘Captain America: Brave New World’
We’ve officially entered into a new era for Cap.
The newest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Brave New World (2025), connects numerous past projects and sets up big future expectations. After being shot down by critics in early reactions and scoring a 51% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film now flies high after fully making back its production budget of $180 million in just the opening weekend. These contrasting statistics, compared with mixed thoughts from audiences, makes this film a bit of a gamble for Marvel Studios. I, however, greatly enjoyed this film and am very excited to see where the story goes next.
Many fans were resistant to the passing of the mantle of Captain America from Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) to his sidekick/teammate the Falcon, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). This is a common stance taken by fans, reluctant to see a person of color, like Wilson, take up a leadership role in a franchise mostly dominated by white males. Fans have gone so far as to begin social media movements like #notmycaptainamerica and boycott the film because they do not agree with this transfer of title. This was not new to Marvel Comics fans, who knew that this change had been canon ever since Rogers passed the shield and name to Wilson over 10 years ago in All-New Captain America #1 (2014). Whether this hate is fueled by racism or the general dislike of change, the deal is done – Sam Wilson is Captain America.
One of the main highlights of this film is Mackie’s performance as Wilson. Taking this job was no small deed, as it essentially represents the whole nation (implied by the name alone). As a man with no super powers, Wilson must use his wit, good nature and empathy — along with some expert fighting skills and cool tech — to fight for the country, and more importantly, for what’s right. Mackie brings a lot of heart to this performance, really showcasing the growth and development of his character over the last decade.
Mackie’s performance is matched by the introduction of longtime acting legend Harrison Ford, who plays President Thaddeus Ross. Ford is a recast of the character previously portrayed by William Hurt, who passed away in 2022. Ford brings his signature gruffness to the role but also makes us care for the character, something I doubted was possible since his introduction as a ruthless general at the very beginning of the MCU in 2008.
Along those lines, one of the main downsides of this film is the strange connections it has to other MCU films. This film is technically Captain America 4, a sequel to the limited series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), and a semi-sequel to The Incredible Hulk (2008), but also continues a major plot line from Eternals (2021). This is not obvious to the casual viewer, who would have barely any hope of context besides the brief exposition from the film.
I love the idea of a massive, connected cinematic universe, but the longer it exists, the more convoluted it becomes — people will eventually lose interest. In addition, fewer new fans will be enticed due to the dozens of hours of films and shows one would have to sit through in order to catch up. This is not so much a criticism of the film itself, but more of the current state of the MCU. This film attempts to be unique and begin a new era, setting in motion certain events and plot points that will certainly become major in future projects.
As a whole, this film may not be perfect, but its underlying themes of what defines heroism and justice are more important than critic scores and box office numbers. I loved the direction in which Wilson’s and Ross’ characters developed, and I can’t wait to see more of them in the future. Underneath all the jumbled MCU history and references, this is a solid political action thriller that will surprise and entertain audiences. If fans are willing to give it a chance, they’ll see how well Mackie steps into the role. I enjoyed this film and am very willing to see it again, for my own entertainment and to support Mackie in this daunting responsibility.