Captain America: Brave New World Review – A Political Turn in the MCU

13 Feb

by Bathandwa Samfumfana 20 Comments

A New Chapter for Captain America

The Marvel Cinematic Universe introduces a fresh chapter with *Captain America: Brave New World*. Anthony Mackie steps into the spotlight, taking over the iconic shield from Steve Rogers as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America. Directed by Julius Onah, this film blends superhero action with a political thriller vibe, adding a dash of horror with its unique representation of the Red Hulk.

Harrison Ford debuts as President Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross, bringing an unexpected transformation into the Red Hulk. Unlike earlier portrayals, this version taps into the eerie aspects of *The Immortal Hulk* comics. Yet, it doesn’t stray too far from its cinematic roots, firmly anchoring itself in the political scheming that the MCU has recently embraced.

The Plot Thickens with Political Intrigue

The narrative kicks off with a rare resource unearthed from the mysterious Celestial remains featured in *Eternals*. It sets the stage for a game of political chess, led by President Ross, who aims for a global treaty to control this newfound power. The tension escalates when an assassination attempt ties back to Isaiah Bradley, a nod to the complex history explored in *The Falcon and The Winter Soldier*.

Digging deeper, Sam uncovers a sinister plot centered around mind control. The twist? It ropes in the notorious villain, The Leader, brought back to life by Tim Blake Nelson. Last seen in *The Incredible Hulk*, his return is a hit of nostalgia for longtime MCU fans.

While the performances have been lauded, with both Mackie and Ford receiving applause for their respective roles, the film’s storyline didn’t escape criticism. Most pointedly, it’s the basic plot and predictable action scenes that seem to have left watchers wanting more. As one respects the weight and brilliance of *The Winter Soldier*, the latest sitcom-esque approach falls short of its predecessor’s gripping tension.

According to *Empire*, this film moves at a brisk pace and hits a few positive notes, yet struggles to reach the benchmarks laid by previous Captain America films. It's reflected in the divided opinions on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 47% score unveiling a mix of both appreciation and disappointment.

Despite the criticisms surrounding its storyline and reliance on the tangled web of MCU lore, *Captain America: Brave New World* stands out for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of its characters and exploring fresh political themes, if not transcending into new cinematic territories entirely.

20 Comments

SUBHANKAR DAS
February 13, 2025 AT 09:23

this movie was just okay. i fell asleep halfway through. why do they keep making these political superhero things? i just want to see someone punch a robot.
Secret Lands Farm
February 14, 2025 AT 14:33

honestly? i liked it. sure it's not the winter soldier, but sam wilson carrying the shield feels right. and harrison ford as red hulk? iconic. the mcu's been trying to grow up, and this is a step. not perfect, but not trash either.
Tamir Duberstein
February 15, 2025 AT 03:44

i get why people are mad. but let’s be real-this isn’t supposed to be a 1970s conspiracy thriller. it’s a popcorn movie with a message. and honestly? the leader’s return made me scream. tim blake nelson is a national treasure.
John Bothman
February 16, 2025 AT 09:17

this film is a DISGRACE to the MCU. 🤬 the writing is so lazy, the action is choreographed like a kindergarten play, and they turned captain america into a talking head for woke propaganda. 🤡 the only good part? harrison ford’s mustache. that’s it. 1/10. 🎭💔
Dinesh Gupta
February 17, 2025 AT 10:02

dude the plot was so predictable i could guess every twist before it happened. and why did they make the red hulk look like a horror movie monster? too much. too much. 😴
Shalini Ambastha
February 18, 2025 AT 01:29

i think it’s brave to tackle political themes in a superhero movie. not everyone has to love it, but it’s good to see the mcu trying something new. sam wilson deserves this moment.
Amanda Kelly
February 18, 2025 AT 17:12

this movie is proof the mcu is dead. they replaced steve rogers with a talking billboard. the direction is amateur. the script is a wikipedia summary. and the red hulk? laughable. you're all delusional if you think this is art.
Jessica Herborn
February 18, 2025 AT 17:14

i think this film is a metaphor for america’s loss of moral compass. we replaced our ideals with bureaucracy and performative justice. sam wilson isn’t captain america-he’s a symbol of our collective surrender. 🌍💔
Lakshmi Narasimham
February 19, 2025 AT 02:29

you people are overrating this. the winter soldier was genius. this? this is just another mcu cash grab. they didn’t even fix the cgi. and why is the leader back? nobody asked for this. nobody.
Madhuri Singh
February 20, 2025 AT 18:46

lol at the people saying this is woke propaganda. bro it’s a movie where a guy in a flag suit fights a giant green monster. chill. also the leader’s return? chef’s kiss. 🍳
Amanda Dempsey
February 20, 2025 AT 21:37

the plot was weak. the pacing was off. the dialogue was cringe. stop pretending this is good.
Ruth Ellis
February 21, 2025 AT 21:48

this isn’t american cinema anymore. it’s globalist propaganda dressed in spandex. the shield should never belong to anyone but a true american hero. this is cultural betrayal.
Peter Novák
February 23, 2025 AT 16:47

The narrative structure lacks the classical three-act cohesion expected of cinematic storytelling. The thematic elements are underdeveloped and the character motivations are inconsistent with prior canon. This is not evolution. It is degradation.
Siphosethu Phike Phike
February 25, 2025 AT 03:25

i love how this movie tried to be different 🌟 even if it didn’t nail everything. sam wilson is my captain america now. and the leader? 🥹 i cried a little. thank you for this.
Mitchell Ocran
February 26, 2025 AT 21:27

the celestials? the treaty? the mind control? this is all part of the deep state’s plan to normalize surveillance. they used the mcu to desensitize us. the red hulk isn’t a villain-it’s a warning. watch your back.
Todd Gehrke
February 26, 2025 AT 23:22

i can’t believe people are defending this! it’s so bad! the acting is wooden! the action scenes look like they were edited on a phone! the leader’s return was a cheap nostalgia grab! why is everyone so blind?!?!?!?!
Allison Brinkley
February 27, 2025 AT 00:36

The film’s narrative coherence is severely compromised by its reliance on prior cinematic exposition. The political allegory is both heavy-handed and superficial. A disappointing sequel to a masterpiece.
Ghanshyam Kushwaha
February 27, 2025 AT 13:03

i was bored. the whole movie felt like a tv show. why do they keep making these long mcu things? just give us a 90 minute movie with explosions already.
eliana levi
February 27, 2025 AT 22:59

i know it’s not perfect but i loved it!! sam is so cool now and the red hulk was so scary in a good way!! 🥰💖 i hope there’s a sequel!!
Brittany Jones
February 27, 2025 AT 23:00

you’re all missing the point. this isn’t about the plot-it’s about legacy. sam carrying the shield isn’t just a character change. it’s a cultural shift. and honestly? it’s about time. stop comparing it to steve rogers. he’s not here anymore.