Captain America: Brave New World (2025) Movie: Anthony Mackie’s Shield Debut Falls Short of Expectations
Sam Wilson finally gets his moment to shine as Captain America, but does Anthony Mackie pull it off? The film pairs him with veteran actor Harrison Ford as President Ross, creating an interesting political backdrop.
Director Julius Onah takes charge of this Marvel project. The cast includes Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, and Giancarlo Esposito, though their roles feel smaller than expected.
Story and Script Problems
Wilson finds himself dealing with presidential politics when he meets Ross. Soon enough, an international crisis pulls him into a web of conspiracy and danger across the globe.
The main issue I noticed is how the script rushes through important plot points. Key moments that should build tension get glossed over, making the whole conspiracy angle feel less convincing than it could have been.
Acting and Character Development
Mackie steps up to fill the Captain America role with confidence and charm. He handles both the action scenes and quieter character moments well, proving he can carry a Marvel film.
Ford brings gravitas to his presidential role, though his character could have used more screen time. The supporting players do their jobs competently, but none really stand out or leave a lasting impression.
Visual Effects and Action
The film leans hard into digital effects for its action sequences, with results that vary from impressive to noticeably fake. Some fight scenes work brilliantly, while others feel like video game cutscenes.
I appreciated how Onah handled the smaller, more personal action moments. The big blockbuster sequences, however, don’t quite reach the level we’ve come to expect from modern Marvel productions.
Final Thoughts
This Captain America film works as decent superhero entertainment but falls short of greatness. Mackie proves he can handle the shield, and Ford adds class to the proceedings.
The biggest letdown comes from a script that needed more development time. Plot threads don’t connect smoothly, and character motivations often feel unclear or rushed through important scenes.
Critics have been mixed on this one. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 51%, while IMDb users rate it 5.6 out of 10. Most reviews point to the same issues I found – good performances held back by weak storytelling.
Rating: 3/5
