'Brave New World' shows some bravery; makes a strong case for Sam Wilson as Captain America | Movie Review

After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.

(C) Marvel

The film works as an introduction to Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America. It’s clear they understood the pressure of passing the torch from Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. Here, we see the differences, but the film also makes a compelling case for why Sam Wilson deserves to take over the iconic shield. A lot of time is dedicated to creating key moments for Mackie, and he does the job well. By the end of this movie, it feels genuinely earned. The same can be said for the new Falcon, played by Danny Ramirez.

Thanks to these elements, Brave New World feels like a standalone story. While it references important details from the MCU, there’s no overwhelming concern about what's ahead for this decade-long franchise.

As a political thriller, the film has moments of bravery. It manages to say some bold things and offers interesting imagery. Aside from some rough edges, the film’s gritty look also contributes to its intended vibe. Unlike previous Captain America entries, which were more focused on military or internal affairs, this installment touches on present-day geopolitics, which is harder to navigate in a potential blockbuster. And it shows. Throughout the film, there’s a feeling of holding back from fully exploring its themes.

The story wraps up neatly and works well—unless you delve too deeply into the specifics, in which case you might find yourself a bit red. Speaking of red, Harrison Ford is unquestionably great as Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk; this role seems to fit him seamlessly.

Captain America: Brave New World is a noble attempt to mimic the structure of a Phase Two film—one that is more focused on fleshing out its characters. It mostly works, and actually makes you more excited to see more of Anthony Mackie. 3/5 ⭐

Film is now playing in PH cinemas.