‘Captain America: Brave New World’ struggles to find its footing, presenting a superhero film that falters significantly in execution. Anthony Mackie steps into the role of Captain America, but his portrayal lacks the conviction and charisma that Chris Evans brought to the character. This transition feels jarring, as Mackie does not convincingly embody the essence of the earlier Captain America, leaving fans longing for the familiar presence of Evans.
The narrative is muddled, with a script that appears to have been hastily assembled without proper attention to character development or plot coherence. The political thriller elements, which could have added depth, come across as superficial, failing to engage the audience meaningfully. Mackie’s performance, while earnest, struggles against a backdrop of weak writing and direction.
Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Ross adds some star power but is ultimately underutilised. The film introduces an array of villains—Voelker, Sterns, and Red Hulk/Ross—yet fails to provide them with compelling motivations or sufficient screen time. The much-anticipated reveal of Red Hulk is predictable and lacks the impact it should have had. Action sequences feel generic and uninspired, lacking the innovative flair that has characterised more successful entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Attempts at world-building feel forced, with references to previous MCU films serving more as obligatory nods than organic connections. The film’s tonal disjointedness is evident, with awkward transitions between intimate character moments and wide-shot action sequences that disrupt immersion. Dialogue often feels clunky and overly expository, diminishing any sense of mystery or intrigue.
Ultimately, ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ fails to deliver a memorable experience, leaving audiences questioning whether this chapter should have remained unwritten. Mackie’s version of Captain America struggles under the weight of expectations, and while he attempts to honour the legacy of Steve Rogers, he does so without the necessary gravitas or charm.