Brave New World: Does Cap’s Next Chapter Soar or Stumble?

As a huge fan of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier on Disney+, I couldn’t wait to see Sam Wilson and his kick-ass wings soar as Captain America in Brave New World. And while the movie isn’t flawless, it delivers exactly what I was hoping for: a deeper dive into Sam’s growth as Cap, thought-provoking political themes woven subtly into the story, and action sequences that—while not quite on par with previous Captain America films—still pack a punch.

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Despite some mixed critical reception, the audience scores and a strong opening weekend tell a different story. More people are enjoying this film than the headlines suggest—and in this review, I’ll break down exactly why it’s worth watching (keep scrolling to the bottom for my rating & some interesting movie trivia!).

Despite being a political thriller, Captain America: Brave New World aims to bring people together rather than dividing them. At its core, it’s a story about redemption and unity—big themes that feel earned rather than forced.

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The film doesn’t shy away from tough topics like race, but it weaves them in naturally, keeping the message powerful without feeling preachy. It’s not just a fun watch, it actually has something meaningful to say—a rarity in the MCU outside of this particular corner.

The performances in this movie are another one of the movie's stronger aspects. Anthony Mackie cements Sam Wilson as a compassionate, capable leader—you can see exactly why Steve Rogers trusted him to carry the shield.

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Harrison Ford brings surprising depth and heart to his role, adding an emotional weight that grounds the film. And even though his role is relatively small, Carl Lumbly's performance as Isaiah Bradley is raw, deeply affecting, and feels ripped straight from real-life struggles. Though his screen time is limited, his presence leaves a lasting impact, forming the emotional backbone of the film and hitting you right in the feels.

The action sequences—especially the aerial ones—are a definite highlight, showcasing not just Sam’s intense training but also how he’s mastering the role of Captain America (helped, of course, by his upgraded, tricked-out suit). Every fight feels thoughtfully choreographed, emphasizing both his skill and his struggle.

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That said, while the action delivers, it doesn’t quite reach the jaw-dropping heights of previous Captain America films. It’s not a deal breaker, but it’s something I hope they crank up a notch in the next instalment.

Brave New World also marks a major milestone for the MCU—the introduction of adamantium, the legendary metal that makes up Wolverine’s skeleton. While the film doesn’t dive too deep into its implications, the mere mention of it is a clear signal of bigger things to come—especially for the X-Men.

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It’s a small but exciting step that makes the MCU feel more interconnected and, dare I say, more planned out again. The future is looking promising!

As much as I enjoyed Captain America: Brave New World, it’s not without its flaws. For a film so visually driven, the CGI could have been stronger—while it doesn’t ruin the experience, there are a few moments where weaker effects momentarily pull you out of the action.

But the bigger issue? The antagonist. Despite having a powerhouse like Tim Blake Nelson in the role, the villain feels underdeveloped and somewhat forgettable.

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With the movie’s overall sophistication and maturity, it deserved a more compelling, well-defined antagonist. Here’s hoping the next instalment delivers on that front.

Flaws aside, I really Enjoyed Captain America: Brave New World. It felt cinematic, it was exciting and entertaining but also engaging and mature. This movie deserves to be seen in cinemas purely off of its entertainment value, but you should also watch it for the strength and sophistication of its commentary, as well as the kick-ass aerial sequence.

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Strong recommend, especially if you enjoyed The Falcon & The Winter Soldier. It’ll definitely take more than just this to restore my faith in the MCU, but I do think this movie is a sign that they’re on the right track.

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1-One poster features Sam blocking Red Hulk's punch with his shield. This is an homage to the cover of Captain America #230 (Feb. 1979),

2-Announced the same day The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) finale premiered.

3-The final act of the film is set in Washington, D.C., noted for its cherry trees. Director Julius Onah had vivid memories of the cherry blossoms from having lived near D.C. in Arlington, Virginia, as a child. To him, they aligned with the film's themes of empathy, since they were historically gifted from Japan as a sign of friendship.

4-To prepare for the film's action sequences, Mackie focused on yoga and Pilates routines to improve his flexibility and core strength.

5-The Red Hulk's movements are based on bears.