Movies

Review: Don’t let details bog you down and ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ works, despite itself

BBG News

A towering, fiery figure, identified by a presidential emblem, rages and churns before bursting through a podium in the Rose Garden. This rampage continues into the White House, causing destruction everywhere it goes. However, the Washington Monument is where our hero steps in – none other than Captain America, portrayed by Anthony Mackie’s character Sam Wilson. Known for his distinctive wings and star shield, this version of Captain America is significant as he is the first Black Captain America to appear on screen. His adventures were further explored in the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” but “Captain America: Brave New World” marks his debut in a solo film.

The pictures of a decaying Washington D.C. seem incredibly fitting for the present condition of the nation in early 2025. In the midst of all the Marvel Cinematic Universe backstory and explanation (the film aims to connect over 20 years of Marvel films and TV shows), it’s the poignant, resonant scene-making such as this where you can sense director Julius Onah striving to convey a message about what it means to have a Black Captain America. This is portrayed both as a heavy burden of responsibility and an empowering force for liberation.

In this fresh take, Onah, one of the writers for the film alongside Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and Peter Glanz, has brought “Captain America” back to its original political-thriller foundation, as seen in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” more than a decade past. Sam has handed down his Falcon gear to a new companion, Joaquin Torres (played by Danny Ramirez), and is now working with the newly elected U.S. president, Thaddeus Ross (portrayed by Harrison Ford). Despite Ross’ controversial past, he helps Sam carry out covert operations for the nation’s benefit.

The uncertain partnership is put to the test as Sam’s old friend Isaiah Bradley, a former supersoldier who was imprisoned and experimented on for three decades after being activated to attack President Ross, finds himself in jail. This predicament arises at a time when the U.S. is trying to maintain peace while negotiating the distribution of the powerful metal alloy called adamantium, which was found on the Celestial Island in the Indian Ocean (for more details about its origin, refer to: “Eternals”).

L.A. Influential

In a key role as the leader of Marvel Studios and architect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Kevin Feige has significantly shaped the narrative landscape of Hollywood filmmaking.

If you find “Brave New World” overwhelming with its detailed backstory, that’s understandable. However, if you focus on the main ideas and key moments – the tale of a wrongfully imprisoned African American man and Captain America’s mission to set him free – the message becomes crystal clear. As someone who hardly watches Marvel or any Disney+ content, I can say that “Brave New World” is easily comprehendible as a self-contained movie (although knowing some main characters and storylines can enhance your experience).

For a Marvel casual fan who doesn’t have high expectations tied to the extensive franchise (it’s hard to call it a single one anymore), “Brave New World” could be even more enjoyable due to their ability to appreciate the storyline and character developments without excessive scrutiny or analysis. The return of Liv Tyler and Tim Blake Nelson from “The Incredible Hulk” might be accepted, but the standout aspect is the chemistry between Mackie and Ramirez, particularly during a sequence reminiscent of “Top Gun,” where they engage in an aerial battle near Celestial Island. This adds to the overall enjoyment of the film.

The unique, high-quality cinematography and robust action scenes in this movie typically deviate from the norm seen in most Marvel productions, which can be advantageous. It allows viewers to appreciate the film more as a political drama centered around deep-state manipulation of minds with occasional superhuman elements, rather than just another link in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s chain.

Essentially, the burden placed on “Brave New World” to connect numerous elements is just as unjust as the expectation put upon Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, to embody Captain America while being a Black man. Towards the end of the movie, Mackie’s character expresses frustration over always needing to be at his best due to representing everyone striving for representation. It’s too much to expect a single film to carry such extensive explanation, and yet, Mackie and director Onah handle it with as much poise as possible. In essence, “Captain America: Brave New World” demonstrates that it has something culturally significant to offer beyond typical comic-book elements, making it an acceptable political thriller.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2025-02-13 23:01

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