Anyone who has not been living under a rock for the past few years and who has even a mild interest in superhero movies knows that the MCU has been on a downward swing. Many of their latest movies have not been as well received as they were back in , , etc. Realizing their recent struggles, it was announced that the MCU would take a step back, reassess their priorities, and focus more on quality rather than quantity. But with this week's release of Captain America: Brave New World, have they succeeded? Sadly, the answer is a resounding, No.
We all know that at the end of Avengers: Endgame, Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans; Deadpool & Wolverine) came back as an old man and gave his shield to Sam Wilson/Falcon/Captain America (Anthony Mackie; Twisted Metal). Now that Wilson is the new Captain America, he is working with the President's office despite previously being at odds. So when Wilson is tasked with retrieving Adamantium that was stolen, he, along with the military, does what is necessary.
As a thank you, Wilson is invited to a special presentation at the White House and asks that his friend, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly; Alias) be invited as well. However, when Bradley and four other people try to assassinate President Ross (Harrison Ford; Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Wilson's relationship with the President becomes strained. Trying to clear Isaiah on his own, Wilson uncovers a plot to potentially start World War III and an enemy he can't outsmart.
If you happened to see 's The Incredible Hulk starring Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), then you are ahead of the game as Captain America: Brave New World feels, at times, like a direct sequel in the making. It includes a villain who was a character in the former film and a cameo appearance from Bruce Banner's girlfriend, Betty (Liv Tyler; Armageddon). If you haven't seen the movie, you won't be lost, but you won't know who some of these people are and how they fit into the MCU. Speaking of cameos, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan; A Different Man)' brief scene was a disappointing throwaway and unnecessary.
From the start, this movie feels different from other MCU films. From the pacing, the music, and the mystery, Act I of Captain America: Brave New World feels like a Thriller/Horror movie more than an Action/Adventure. However, by Act II, the familiar MCU atmosphere slowly creeps back in to give this picture some semblance of the worlds that have been created thus far. At best, I would consider this latest film Marvel/MCU-adjacent rather than a full-fledged entry in the MCU.
Technically, there is much to be lauded about the film while it still doesn't quite get it perfect. It is obvious that time and care were taken to create Red Hulk through CGI, and some fight scenes are very well done. However, the airstrike over the Indian Ocean and some of the backgrounds behind Captain America are, in a word... awful. They are obviously green-screened and poorly done, which is distracting and annoying.
No, Captain America: Brave New World is not the movie that is definitively going to get people excited again about the MCU. However, it is a step in the right direction. With great fight choreography, a good cast (Honorable mention to Shira Haas; Asia and Danny Ramirez; Top Gun: Maverick, who hold their own against their elders), and some strong CGI (at moments), it is clear the MCU still has some life left in it yet. Let's hope this upward trend continues.
Grade: C+
