Captain America: Brave New World – A Solid, If Safe, Next Chapter

The latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Brave New World, arrives with the weight of legacy on its shoulders. It’s the first solo outing for Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as the new Cap, a role that comes with sky-high expectations. While the film doesn’t reinvent the superhero genre, it delivers an engaging mix of action, political intrigue, and character-driven moments that make for a solid—if somewhat conventional—addition to the franchise.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is Mackie’s performance. He fully embraces the responsibility of the shield, balancing the action-hero demands with the more grounded struggles of a man trying to live up to an impossible standard. Harrison Ford stepping into the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross adds some gravitas, though his presence feels more like setup for future projects than a fully realized arc here.

The action sequences are well-executed, particularly a standout aerial battle that showcases Sam’s unique fighting style. The film also attempts to engage with real-world themes of leadership and identity, though it doesn’t always push as far as it could. The villain, while serviceable, lacks the depth of Marvel’s best antagonists, which keeps the stakes from feeling as intense as they should.

If there’s a major flaw, it’s that Brave New World plays it safe. It sticks to a familiar MCU formula, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn’t take the kind of bold narrative risks that made Captain America: The Winter Soldier such a standout. That said, longtime fans of the franchise will find plenty to enjoy, and the film successfully solidifies Sam Wilson’s place as Captain America.

Verdict: Captain America: Brave New World is a solid, if predictable, entry in the MCU. Mackie shines, the action delivers, and the film does just enough to keep audiences invested—though it doesn’t quite soar to the heights of its predecessors.

Score: 7.5/10