Review: 'Captain America: Brave New World' flies high but falls short
Minutes after you settle in for a screening of Captain America: Brave New World, the Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn't welcome you back with yet another glorious rundown of its many superheroes. Instead, you are introduced to a darker, simpler logo — one that predicts a turn away from the usual lighthearted entertainment. You prepare to enter the long sought-after territory; it nods towards something heavy, something different, something crucial, and something fresh... maybe?
Take it from a fan of the genre, indulging expectations is a luxury when it comes to superhero films. Unless you're someone who has the tunnel vision of a power scaler, you might find yourself disappointed if you hope beyond what the formula can offer. So, let's get this out of the way: the latest offering in the Captain America sub-franchise doesn't step as bravely into the new world as it promises to. But that's not Sam Wilson's fault, not by the furthest stretch of his wings.
To be clear, there's nothing wrong with enjoying characters whose virtue wouldn't fly in the real world. Studios may bleed these impressionable heroes dry as long as kids look up to them. After all, hardly anyone is immune to Spider-Man's antics, especially now that there are multiverses of the webslinger to pick from. But when a film vows to be a gamechanger, the audience can't be blamed for its formula-abiding shortcomings.
Foot-dragging politics
Brave New World has landed on the big screen at a time when Donald Trump's administration has been provoking outrage across Hollywood. With the community's collective spirit high in the wake of the LA tragedy, many left-wing artists have been uniting for a shared cause — their long-standing distaste for Trump and his re-election to office, making the film's overarching message more relevant than ever.
But make no mistake. Harrison Ford's President Thaddeus Ross is no MAGA-championing Republican, though his Hulk is as red as one can imagine. No, Ross is a man that's fighting multiple battles at once — a politician who is a far cry from the general that forced Steve Rogers to retaliate.
While the late William Hurt's absence was felt deeply, Ford's take on the stern character traverses an unexplored dimension. Brave New World's Ross is an apprentice of compassion, someone willing to learn, yet a little idealistic. With him, the film indeed takes a brave step — or at least one uncharacteristic of MCU projects — yet never fully commits to it.
Admittedly, the film raises poignant concerns about a black man taking on the mantle of the star-spangled hero, affording us touching insights into Sam's faltering optimism as even his allies begin to feel like foes. However, it power-of-friendships its way through these racial struggles.
Given the MCU's track record with politics, this is unsurprising, though nonetheless disgruntling. But this, unfortunately, is also a reminder that the American Dream is a long way from being dismantled. Baby steps, it is.
Saving grace
That being said, Carl Lumbly's performance as Isaiah Bradley is one of the film's finest selling points. The narrative compels you to care about him, even if you haven't watched The Falcon and the Winter Soldier — or you have and are cursed with a terrible case of memory loss like I am. You can't help but be moved to tears each time he drops truth-bombs about the world's damaged state.
Even Anthony Mackie's step back into the MCU is a refreshing take on a character we know and love. Despite not boasting superhuman abilities, Sam has been lifting spirits in the MCU ever since his introduction in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Brave New World is a much-needed answer to what happens when Sam's own circumstances weigh him down. It is his willingness to act, to confront, and to re-evaluate all that he stands for — all that he is — that makes him a perfect fit for the promotion we knew was coming.
Moreover, Danny Ramirez's Joaquin Torres illuminates the darker edges of the film with his charisma. His mentee-mentor bond with Sam steers the story away from needlessly drab moments, adding a rejuvenating layer of depth for both characters.
This brotherhood is the light that everyone should be glad wasn't scrapped in favour of making a 'serious' film, as superhero franchises so often attempt to do.
Though, even Joaquin couldn't save the film from the MCU's signature tone-deaf humour at times. You know, the kind that dulls the gravity of any high-stakes scene because of how ill-placed it can be? Yes, that humour.
Is this monster about to kill me? Just stopping and staring won't do. Now is the perfect time to think about how this limited-edition Hulk is not green. But after Thor: Love and Thunder, one should be careful keeping high expectations for the MCU's sense of tonal propriety.
Looking up
Despite setting out with a promising premise, Sam's story was overshadowed by an overwhelming cast of individual villains who we were hardly allowed to sit with.
Modelled after the gripping second instalment, The Winter Soldier, this Captain America film made well-meaning efforts towards introducing nuanced antagonists. Still, it didn't give us much time to learn anything about them.
This is not to say that the film wasn't enjoyable. After some of the recent hot messes, this shift in tone has been a worthwhile addition to the MCU and it still maintained its fair share of fun moments. However, it did pack too many gifts to unwrap in the short span of a film's run.
But after all the harsh criticism, it is relieving to finally see Sam spread his wings and come into his own. After Mackie found himself embroiled in an unnecessary controversy for saying that, to him, his character "represents a lot of different things and I don't think the term 'America' should be one of those representations", fans were quick to point that both his screen predecessor, Chris Evans, and the comic book character himself echoed the same sentiment.
Yet only Mackie was criticised until he was pushed to defend his patriotism on social media, which was a stark reminder that the struggle is a long way from being over. Having a black Captain America may be a step forward, but the flight of stairs remains ever-high. One can only hope that Mackie's metal wings will aid his rise to the top.
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