Captain America: Brave New World draws mixed reactions: From 'absolute blast' to 'super flawed'

Marvel’s latest installment, Captain America: Brave New World, has been screened for select film journalists, and the initial feedback is divided.

Washington Post’s Herb Scribner had high praise for the film, calling it an “absolute blast” and appreciating its strong storytelling and connection to the broader MCU.

Others, like critic Cris Parker, felt the film lacked emotional weight, stating, “Didn’t quite hit the emotional or narrative highs I was hoping for. Loved Mackie as Cap and I appreciated the more serious tone but it did feel slightly empty.”

Similarly, Emmanuel Noisette noted that while the film was engaging, it “pulled A LOT of political punches” and questioned whether marketing had given too much away or if the movie lacked additional depth.

On the other hand, entertainment writer Chris Gallardo praised Anthony Mackie’s performance, saying, “[‘Brave New World’] proves Anthony Mackie has RIGHTFULLY EARNED the role of Captain America. He puts it all in as Sam Wilson and his chemistry with Danny Ramirez is great! Harrison Ford as President Ross/Red Hulk is charming and the action really rocks when it happens.”

This marks Mackie’s first solo film as Captain America, following his debut as Sam Wilson/Falcon in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and his journey in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021). The new movie follows Sam as he joins forces with U.S. President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford) to uncover a conspiracy linked to an assassination attempt and the global pursuit of adamantium.

More critics weighed in:

“See #CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld on the biggest screen possible. It does what it should and is entertaining blockbuster action. Anthony Mackie kicks ass as Captain America. Loved it. A great entry into the MCU. Props to Laura Karpman on a mighty score.” – Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt)

“This was okay. Super flawed and felt like this film was about everybody else except Sam as he steps into the Cap moniker. Doesn’t capitalize on its strengths at all, which left me super underwhelmed.” – Brittany Patrice (@BB18180)

“Nothing brave about #CaptainAmerica/#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld. A flat political thriller with scattershot emotional stakes, recycled plot points, & a disengaging path forward. Another forgettable villain.” – Jeff Nelson (@SirJeffNelson)

The film hits theaters on Feb. 14.