BY: HALEY BROWN / STAFF WRITER
Is Sam Wilson cut out to be the new Captain America? Captain America: Brave New World delves into it. Overall, the film delivers thrilling action sequences and strong character moments, but struggles with narrative cohesion.
While the film introduces compelling themes surrounding legacy, identity, and patriotism, many of these ideas remain underdeveloped.
The action sequences in Brave New World stand out as some of the film’s strongest elements. With over 30 MCU films, keeping shield-based combat fresh presents a challenge, yet this installment finds ways to innovate.
Sam Wilson’s fighting style is given more complexity, integrating his aerial skills with ground combat in ways that highlight his strategic approach. The result is a version of Captain America that feels distinct from Steve Rogers while still honoring the physicality and symbolism of the role.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its character relationships. The mentor-mentee dynamic between Sam Wilson and Joaquin Torres feels natural, with their banter adding levity without undercutting the film’s emotional weight. Torres is given more prominence here, and his chemistry with Sam helps ground the film’s more dramatic moments.
The relationship between Sam and Isaiah Bradley also plays a significant role, providing a historical lens through which the challenges of Captain America’s legacy are explored. Their interactions add depth to the narrative, reinforcing the personal and national stakes of Sam’s journey. However, while these moments are impactful, they often feel like brief interludes rather than central driving forces of the story.
Where Brave New World falters is in its execution of multiple storylines without a clear central focus. The film introduces numerous compelling ideas—Sam’s internal struggle with the Captain America mantle, ideological conflicts with the U.S. President, and the consequences of past governmental actions—but fails to develop any of them fully. These themes could have provided a strong emotional core, but instead, they are introduced sporadically without meaningful follow-through.
Additionally, the film lacks a strong sense of escalation. While the reveal of Thaddeus Ross as Red Hulk is a significant moment, its impact is weakened by extensive spoilers from the film's marketing.
Ross’s storyline, which explores the consequences of his past decisions, is also undercut by his limited presence in previous MCU films. As a result, his transformation feels more like a spectacle than an earned narrative shift.
One of the most significant aspects of Brave New World is its commentary on the transition from a white to a black Captain America. At a time when this shift remains a controversial topic, the film’s willingness to embrace it is commendable. The symbolic nature of Sam Wilson carrying the shield, especially in contrast to historical figures like Isaiah Bradley, presents a meaningful statement on progress, representation, and the evolving definition of patriotism.
The film presents this transition as a defining element of Sam’s journey, but rather than allowing these ideas to unfold organically, they are often presented in a way that feels overly direct. A more nuanced approach could have allowed audiences to engage more deeply with the themes rather than being told outright what to take away.
Captain America: Brave New World is an entertaining addition to the MCU, delivering strong action sequences and well-developed character relationships. However, its lack of narrative focus prevents it from reaching the heights of its predecessors.
While the film successfully highlights the evolving meaning of Captain America, it misses the opportunity to provide a deeper, more thought-provoking exploration of its themes. Despite its flaws, the film remains an engaging watch, but one that leaves room for a more refined and impactful sequel.
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