Captain America: Brave New World review – Sam's Cap takes flight but never truly soars

Captain America: Brave New World Review – Sam Wilson Takes the Shield, But the Story Stumbles

Marvel’s latest installment, Captain America: Brave New World, brings Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson fully into the spotlight as the new Sentinel of Liberty. While the film delivers thrilling action and heartfelt moments, it struggles to reach the soaring heights of its predecessors, leaving fans with a mixed bag of excitement and missed potential.  

After taking up the mantle in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson’s first solo outing as Captain America pits him against a shadowy conspiracy threatening global stability. The movie’s strongest asset is Mackie himself, who brings charm, gravitas, and a refreshing everyman quality to the role. His portrayal of a hero grappling with legacy and responsibility feels grounded—especially in quieter scenes with Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) and Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez).  

However, Brave New World falters in its pacing and villain problem. The film introduces a new antagonist, played by a talented but underutilized Giancarlo Esposito, whose motivations feel muddled in the larger plot. Action sequences are visually impressive—particularly a mid-air rescue and a brutal hand-to-hand fight—but they lack the emotional weight that defined Steve Rogers’ best battles.  

The movie also attempts to tackle real-world political themes, from government distrust to national identity, but these ideas often get lost in the spectacle. While the Russo brothers’ Winter Soldier balanced spy thrills with sharp commentary, this entry leans too heavily on generic blockbuster tropes.  

Fan reactions have been divided. "Mackie is perfect as Cap, but the story plays it too safe," said one viewer at a premiere screening. Others praised the introduction of new characters, including Liv Tyler’s return as Betty Ross and Harrison Ford’s debut as President Thunderbolt Ross, though their roles feel more like setup for future MCU phases.  

Visually, the film shines—Sam’s upgraded suit and aerial combat scenes are highlights—but the script needed another polish to match its ambition. Brave New World isn’t a misfire, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing either. For now, Sam Wilson’s journey as Captain America remains promising, if not yet fully realized.