Captain America: Brave New World Review (No Spoilers)
A completely fine movie, saved by the third act
I just got out of my screening of Captain America 4 and thought I’d share a quick review!
Let’s get this out of the way, Sam Wilson IS Captain America. And Anthony Mackie proved that in this movie. The quiet moments, void of action, but with meaningful conversation was when he really shined and embodies the role. I wanted more of those moments though.
I’m going to keep this review spoiler free, so don’t worry!
What Worked for Me
The main actors did a great job. Mackie was great as the number one, and Danny Ramirez was great in the sidekick role. Harrison Ford and Carl Lumbly seemed to be having fun and clearly gave it all they had.
The third act really bumped this to its 3.5 stars. The best dialogue and action was here. Mackie had three or four moments late in the movie that left me wondering why there wasn’t more like them early on.
The movie ended with me looking forward to seeing Mackie in the role again.
What Didn’t Work for Me
There were too many unnecessary roles. Giancarlo was wasted in his role as Sidewinder. He deserved a much bigger role in the MCU, especially with mutants coming into the fold in the next few years (I could se him as a great Mr. Sinister). Shira Haas’s character Ruth also didn’t seem necessary and everything she did could have been done in Xosha’s role, and we could have avoided all the drama about her character.
It took way too long to get to the good stuff in my opinion. But I did appreciate that event though this movie was filled with hulk related characters, it felt like Sam’s movie.
The villain ended up being mediocre and I wasn’t sold on the design. There were concept art images floating around that had me optimistic, but they clearly went another direction.
Lastly, the end credits scene does actually set up something for the future, unlike a lot of the more recent ones (I’m looking at you Harry Styles). But its execution was kinda lame.
If I Was in Charge of This Movie
I would have found a way to bring back the red skull. Since we saw in infinity war that he’s still out there, I think it would have been interesting to see him be free of watching the stones and returning to earth with new powers and new purpose, but now having to face an all new Captain America. Potentially having the red skulls aware of upcoming incursions and wanting to destroy other earths and Cap stopping him. I’m just spitballing here.
Would I Recommend This Movie?
It’s a basic movie without any two ways and turns. Overall I would recommend this movie solely because Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford do great, and Sam Wilson’s Cap deserves the spotlight. But it’s slow for much of it and it introduces too many unnecessary side characters, so I wouldn’t blame anyone for skipping this one.
Next Up for Marvel (Live Action)
Daredevil: Born Again
Thunderbolts*
Fantastic Four
If/when you’ve seen the movie, let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
Raj