‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Gets Mixed Reactions: Action, Characters, But Lacking Depth

Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World has received a mix of reactions from members of the press following its initial screenings.

The film, marking Anthony Mackie’s first time as the lead in a Marvel movie, has earned both praise and criticism, with some applauding its action and character performances, while others found it lacking in emotional depth.

Positive Reactions:

Washington Post’s Herb Scribner described the film as an “absolute blast,” noting its cohesion within the MCU and its success in making other projects feel relevant again.

Entertainment writer Chris Gallardo agreed, calling Mackie’s portrayal of Sam Wilson “rightfully earned” and highlighting his strong chemistry with co-star Danny Ramirez.

Gallardo also praised Harrison Ford’s performance as President Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk and the film’s action sequences.

Mixed Reactions:

Other critics, such as Cris Parker and Emmanuel Noisette, had more lukewarm opinions, expressing disappointment that the film didn’t reach the emotional or narrative heights they expected.

Noisette felt the film “pulled a lot of political punches” and described it as “average,” while Parker mentioned that the more serious tone didn’t quite land, leaving the film “slightly empty.”

Criticism:

Several reactions pointed out the film’s reliance on world-building and set-up for future MCU installments, which detracted from the focus on Sam Wilson’s journey as the new Captain America.

Critics like Jeff Nelson and Lee Travis argued that the film’s plot felt recycled and the stakes underwhelming, with Nelson describing it as a “flat political thriller” and Travis calling it “the most meh MCU film to date.”

In Captain America: Brave New World, Sam Wilson (Mackie) must work with U.S. president Ross (Ford) to investigate a conspiracy tied to an assassination attempt and the global battle for adamantium.

The film also introduces new characters like Danny Ramirez as Falcon and Giancarlo Esposito as the villain Sidewinder.

The film opens in theaters on February 14, 2025.