Where to watch Captain America: Brave New World
2 1/2 Stars
Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, finds himself in the middle of an international incident and must discover the motive behind a nefarious global plan.
Anthony Mackie’s charisma almost single-handedly carries Captain America: Brave New World, making the film watchable despite its meandering story, which reportedly was in a constant flux during a troubled and costly production. This Marvel entry is competent, though uninspired. Harrison Ford replaces the late William Hurt as a distinctly Trumpian President, harboring a significant secret and questionable motives.
Brave New World delivers Marvel’s trademark stunts, CGI, and humor in spades, but its tangled narrative—overstuffed with villains—turns the plot into a muddle. If Mission Impossible (1996) was once considered confusing, Captain America makes it look straightforward by comparison.
Tim Blake Nelson’s Gamma-whacked bad guy is an intriguing character that deserved more screen time. Giancarlo Esposito’s ultra-violent Assassin is handled so awkwardly in his few moments that he barely registers in the film. It’s Mackie’s show, and he deserves to carry the mantle, but another outing like this and Cap’s days are numbered.
Directed by: Julius Onah
Written by: Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez