Throughout much of the runtime of “Captain America: Brave New World,” there was a feeling of unease in my stomach.
It wasn’t that I wasn’t enjoying the film necessarily, but all too often I was reminded of the difficult political realities we face today. Fortunately, however, it also provided a role model to emulate during polarizing times: the ever-inspiring Captain America.
It’s been many years since Steve Rogers handed over the mantle of Captain America to his friend and ally Sam Wilson in “Avengers: Endgame.” In that time, both the real world and the Marvel world have changed drastically. With Sam having taken the time and consideration to fully accept his new position in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” he now finds himself facing a presidential conspiracy that threatens to steer the U.S. into a global war.
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From the first few minutes, I could tell “Brave New World” wouldn’t live up to the previous three Captain America films. The editing is quite choppy, certain lines of dialogue seem to talk down to the audience, and the infamous reshoots can be felt in practically every other scene. Considering these stipulations are in effect, however, I don’t think the film is a bad time at all.
Firstly, it’s always great to see Captain America in action. Sam has a bit of a different charm than Steve, but it’s consistently clear Steve made the right choice of successor. In addition to being a brave soldier who’s never afraid to do the right thing, Sam always tries to see the good in others, and I think everyone could benefit from taking a page out of his book.
Although the mystery isn’t as involved or thought-provoking as it was in 2014’s “The Winter Soldier,” the journey here never really left me bored. The climax it builds to is a little obvious, sure, but the ride is decent fun while it lasts.
Several talented actors made their Marvel debut in this film, namely Harrison Ford and Giancarlo Esposito. I won’t say they turned in the best performances of their careers, but their weighty screen presences brought a lot to their scenes.
As for the “Marvel-ness” of it all, there isn’t much new to report. If you’re like me and you cheer when Red Hulk throws a car at Captain America and he slices through it with his robot wings, then you’ll probably leave a satisfied customer. Much of “Brave New World” plays out like a watered-down version of what’s come before, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t enjoyment in sequences like this.
When the third act hit and everything was wrapped up in a neat little bow, something felt wrong. Problems are never solved that easily in the real world. It was then I realized that perhaps the film isn’t meant to offer a perfect solution to all our troubles – the character of Captain America is meant more as an ideal to strive for, someone who’s brave and caring and isn’t afraid to go against the grain if it means doing the right thing. I think that’s a message that will always be relevant regardless of the world in which it is delivered.
“Captain America: Brave New World” may be just another standard Marvel sequel in many ways, but it’s for this reason that I’m glad it exists. We should all be brave and caring like Captain America, and if this film spreads that message to more people, then I think it was worth it.