Directed by Julius Onah and produced by Marvel Studios, “Captain America: Brave New World” hit theaters on Feb. 14 to mixed reviews from audiences and critics.

A World On The Brink

The story of the film shows tensions in the world rising as a new resource, adamantium, has just been discovered.  Trying to keep the arms race at bay is recently elected President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). Ross tries to push a treaty for the global corporation of adamantium research.  But after an attempt on the president’s life, it is up to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and his plucky sidekick Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) to uncover the mastermind behind the conspiracy before the stability of the world can be unraveled.

Brave New World, Same Old Problems

“Captain America: Brave New World”, while an enjoyable action romp, still suffers from the stigma that surrounds the modern MCU.  The cinematography is stiff, quips leave the theater in awkward silence and the film devolves into a CGI smash fest right as the climax rolls around.  Speaking of which, though the digital effects are improved from past films, there are moments that come off as awkward-looking.  Most of these moments, unfortunately, are when Red Hulk finally takes to the stage.  That being said, the film does attempt to take a step back from its blockbuster-focused siblings to tell a slower, character-driven story.  The main focus of this is President Ross. He is a man trying to show the world that he is more than the warmongering, Hulk-hunting general he used to be. Ford embodies this aspect well, putting on a genuinely engaging performance as he does so.  

A Film Held Back

While the film might come off as another boilerplate Marvel movie, there are glimpses of something more.  “Captain America: Brave New World” attempts to address current issues. It is brought up that the people of the world should remain together rather than be divided. This feels painfully appropriate given the current political state of the country.  In fact, this emphasis on peace and togetherness is heralded by the president. A few audience members will no doubt find this refreshing.  More so, the film portrays male friendships in a positive and genuine way through Sam Wilson and his interactions.  For just a moment, the movie surrenders the innate hyper-masculinity of the genre to allow for genuine expressions of care between men.  Unfortunately, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has never been the place for slower, subtler stories.  The hints of a deeper narrative plus the underwhelming spectacle lead to an uneven experience where neither side can overcome the other. 

Closing thoughts

At the end of the day, “Captain America: A Brave New World” will most likely go down as another forgotten film in the mound of cinema that is the MCU.  With the growing dissatisfaction towards Disney’s superhero dynasty, it is disappointing that this film didn’t try to break out of the predictable formula that the franchise has found itself in.  It’s a Marvel movie.  You will most likely sit down and enjoy yourself for two hours but might leave the theater wanting more.

At the time of writing, “Captain America: Brave New World” is available in theaters.

Email: l.utley@ustudentmedia.com