Captain America: Brave New World
Having taken the mantle and vibranium shield from Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), finds himself thrust within a dangerous global conspiracy whose mastermind he must identify while serving the newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford, assuming the role from the late William Hurt) in "Captain America: Brave New World."
Laura's Review: C
Anthony Mackie deserved a better shot in the spotlight than this drab rehash of plots from the likes of "The Incredible Hulk," "Black Panther" and "The Manchurian Candidate" by writers Rob Edwards and TV's 'The Falcon and The Winter Soldier's' Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson. His Sam Wilson has charisma and neither he nor his sidekick, aspiring Falcon Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez, Disney+'s 'The Falcon and The Winter Soldier'), nor his wrongfully incarcerated friend, Super Soldier Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly, Disney+'s 'The Falcon and The Winter Soldier') or new ally, Ross's Security advisor Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas, "Asia") are the problem here. I had hoped for more from "Luce" director Julius Onah, but given the film's hefty budget, fight scenes reveal their choreography, production design is dull and the story is nothing we haven't seen before. The film's only new twist is Sam's intent to work together with Ross who has been antagonistic towards Avengers in the past, but Sam also has an insider in Ross's secret security agent Leila Taylor (Xosha Roquemore).
The new, controversial President is intent on turning a new leaf with a Treaty among nations, primarily the U.S., Japan, France and India, to share adamantium, a metal alloy stronger than Wakanda's vibranium, that is in abundant supply on Celestial Island (which emerged at the end of "The Eternals"). Ross holds an event at the White House to outline his agenda when suddenly Isaiah, who Sam has insisted on inviting, and four others begin shooting at the President, also endangering his prestigious guests. By the time Isaiah is cornered, it's clear the man has no idea what just happened, but an enraged Ross has him reincarcerated (possible execution looms) and reneges on his deal of cooperation with Sam. Meanwhile someone Sam refers to as 'the buyer' is trying to create havoc by making it appear the U.S. is making a power grab for the adamantium, leading to a conflict between the U.S. and Japan.
While the international political aspect of the film is a step in the right direction, there are too many sloppily introduced diversions and Ross's eventual transformation into Red Hulk is one of them (and least it brings accountability, along with a reconciliation for Ross with his daughter Betty (Liv Tyler)). The film will also introduce Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito), a mercenary, and reintroduce Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson, 2008's "The Incredible Hulk").
Ironically, it is the inclusion of repetitive Marvel lore which weighs the film down. The movie also looks drab, only Sam's evolution into Captain America complete with shield and wings providing much in the way of visual pop. The film's end-of-credits-stinger isn't worth the wait.
Disney/Marvel releases "Captain America: Brave New World" in theaters on 2/14/25.
