The Marvel Cinematic Universe has always been about spectacle, but every now and then, it tries to weave deeper themes of political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and personal struggles. Captain America: Brave New World attempts to capture the essence of classic political thrillers like The Fugitive and Air Force One, but ultimately, it stumbles under the weight of its franchise expectations. While it teases a gripping story filled with conspiracies, betrayals, and larger-than-life characters, the film struggles to break free from Marvel’s increasingly predictable formula.

Plot Overload

At its core, Brave New World follows Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, as he retrieves adamantium – an indestructible metal – from the villain Sidewinder. Bringing it back to President Thaddeus Ross seems like a victory, but things quickly spiral out of control when Isaiah Bradley makes an assassination attempt on Ross. Wilson soon realizes that Bradley is being manipulated by a mysterious force, and as he digs deeper, he uncovers an even bigger threat: a rogue plot that transforms Ross into Red Hulk.

This set up is packed with potential, yet the execution feels more like a series of rushed bullet points rather than a wild developed story. The film constantly bombards viewers with information, characters, and motivations, without allowing them to breathe. Rather than letting the suspense build naturally, the movie moves at a breakneck pace, throwing in twist after twist without fully exploring any of them.

And let’s talk about the villains. While Marvel has long been criticized for under developed antagonists, Brave New World suffers from the opposite problem – it has too many. Sidewinder is introduced as a menacing presence, but quickly fades into the background. Bradley, a compelling character from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is reduced to a pawn. And then there’s Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk in what feels like a last-minute edition rather than an integral part of the story. Instead of crafting one truly memorable villain, the film scatters its threats too thinly, leaving them all feeling underwhelming.

A Struggle for Depth

One of the biggest disappointments of Brave New World is its failure to build on political themes introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. That series developed into complex issues, such as global class struggles, racial identity, and what it truly means for a black man to wield the shield. The film had the perfect opportunity to expand on these conversations, especially in today’s socio-political climate. Instead, it merely references them, never giving them the attention they deserve.

Marvel has always walked a fine line between political allegory and blockbuster entertainment. Sometimes, it gets it right, but here, any real world parallels feel like an afterthought. The film wants to be smart and timely, but instead, it settles for shallow nods to deeper issues without committing to meaningful exploration.

The Performances

Anthony Mackie has proven time and time again that he is a charismatic and capable actor, but even he struggles to elevate the weak script. Stepping into Captain America’s shoes was never going to be easy, especially following Chris Evans’, beloved portrayal of Steve Rogers. And while Mackie shines in moments that allow him to bring his own personality to the role, the film barely gives him the chance. Instead, he’s stuck delivering clunky dialogue, and reacting to a plot that moves too quickly for any character development.

Harrison Ford on the other hand, brings undeniable gravity to the film. As President Ross, he commands the screen in every scene he’s in. But even his presence can’t save the film from its structural issues. And when Ross finally transformed into Red Hulk, it feels more like a desperate attempt at fan service rather than a natural progression of his character.

The supporting cast also struggles with the material. Carl Lumbly’s Isaiah Bradley is a bright spot, bringing genuine emotion to a character who deserves more debt. But Giancarlo Esposito, an actor known for his magnetic performances, is reduced to little more than a caricature of his Breaking Bad role. It’s a shame because with better writing, this cast could have delivered something truly special.

Visuals and Action

Marvel films have always been known for their polished visuals and high energy action sequences. Unfortunately, Brave New World falls short in this department as well. The CGI is noticeably unpolished, with some scenes feeling rushed and unfinished. The action sequences, while fast paced, lack the creativity and impact that made previous Captain America films stand out.

Red Hulk’s big reveal, which should have been a jaw dropping moment, instead feels like an afterthought. It lacks the weight and emotional buildup that would make his transformation feel significant. Instead, it comes across as another example of Marvel prioritizing spectacle over storytelling.

Final Verdict: A Disjointed Entry

Captain America: Brave New World had all the ingredients to be a gripping, politically charged action thriller. It could’ve been a film that not only entertained, but also sparked  conversations. Instead, it’s a frustratingly disjointed movie that never quite figures out what it wants to be. The over stuffed plot, underwhelming villains, and missed thematic opportunities make it one of the weaker entries in the MCU. Even with a talented cast, it ultimately feels like another assembly line blockbuster rather than a standout installment.

So, where does the MCU go from here? Can Marvel find a way to recapture the depth and intrigue of its earlier films, or are we stuck in an era where spectacle always trumps substance? One thing is for sure though – Captain America deserves better.