Hey gang, Valkor here. We're post-release of Captain America: Brave New World. And if I were to rank all four Captain America films, Winter Soldier would be number one, First Avenger would be last, and Civil War would be a close number 2. So, you can see where Brave New World fits. And let me say, it's well deserved. I went into this film with low expectations. But color me impressed because Brave New World was loads of fun. Heads up, there will be spoilers, including the post-credit ending.
Brave New World puts the spotlight on Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie – Winter Soldier, Outside the Wire), who is coming to terms with being the new Captain America, which continues from the Disney+ series Falcon and Winter Soldier. He's handling it well, but he'll never escape the shadow of Steve Rogers. And he's reminded of that later in the film. Along for the ride is a new Falcon – Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez). At the start of the film, the two were put to task by now President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) to hunt down a stolen capsule of adamantium, taken from the Japanese government, from a group called the Serpent Society, led by a guy named Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito). While they were able to retrieve the capsule, Sidewinder escaped.
Sam, Joaquin, and Isaiah Bradley (The first Captain America played by Carl Lumbly) are invited to the white house by Ross for an event involving the discovery of the celestial Tiamut (that has been sticking out of the ground since The Eternals), the stolen and now retrieved adamantium, as well as a brief discussion about reforming The Avengers. During Ross's speech that involves forming a treaty centered around the newly discovered adamantium, several men, including Isaiah, open fire on the president and other dignitaries in the room. Once things have settled down, the men involved have no recollection of what happened.
We learn that this was part of a larger plan that The Leader Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) created. Among other things, Stern has been treating Ross's heart condition with gamma-radiated pills. On the plus side, the pills keep Ross's heart in check. But on the negative side, when his temper flares, he becomes the Red Hulk. And the fight between him and Sam is one for the action books! Sam ultimately defeats Ross's Hulk, and while Ross is in prison, he reconnects with his daughter (Liv Tyler), the treaty is ratified, and all is right with the world. Until we get to the post-credit scene between Sam and Stern; Sam is warned that a multiversal threat is on the horizon. And he'll need to be ready when that time comes.
The Good:
Captain America: Brave New World has been through development hell with all the rewrites and reshoots. And I didn't think this movie would ever be released. However, now that it's out in the cinematic wild, I can honestly say that Brave New World does not disappoint. The plot of Brave New World is sound, with just the right amount of drama and intrigue to keep things interesting. It holds up nicely as the film follows Sam's journey and his development into the New Captain America, through all of the difficulties that accompany it. He has some big shoes to fill. And he does so with ease, making him the perfect replacement for Steve Rogers. I'm also looking forward to Sam's next outings, leading a new crew of Avengers in the next MCU upcoming adventures. If you're not convinced by the story, know that the action is what makes it all come together as you get Cap vs. Sidewinder, Cap vs. Red Hulk, and Cap and Falcon vs. fighter jets over Tiamut, which is one of the most beautiful scenes in the entire film! I could watch any of these bits, multiple times, and never get bored! And there's plenty more action on top of what I just mentioned, so get ready for a thrilling yet fun experience! Finally, there were no particularly noteworthy performances from any of the actors; I thought everyone did a fine job. However, I'll give Harrison Ford credit because he is a good substitute for William Hurt. He does enough to stay true to the character while injecting enough of himself to make the character his own. Captain America: Brave New World is a comic book adventure that continues the fun that the MCU provides, with an incredible plot and lots of action. You won't want to miss it!
The Bad:
My first issue with the film is the editing; Some scenes felt choppy. It didn't detract much, but you can tell. One scene, for example, switched between day and night and back again. I was surprised it hadn't been caught. And I wonder if it'll be fixed when it hits Disney+. Lastly, getting Ross to use the word "treaty," which he frequently uses! The treaty was significant, I understand. He didn't have to say it as much, though.
The Ugly:
N/A
Captain America: Brave New World is making its theatrical run. And as of this writing, it's doing well financially. It's an exciting and engaging experience I will see again before it leaves the big screen. I highly recommend checking it out. So, out of TOV 5 stars, I'm giving Captain America: Brave New World a solid 4.
