Jeffrey M. Anderson started his review by saying, “After
some thirty-odd movies and more TV shows than I can remember, we finally have
our third MCU movie directed by a person of color and starring a person of
color. And yet, in this bizarro Trumpian world, rather than being celebrated,
Captain America: Brave New World is being trounced (much like Kendrick Lamar's
spellbinding Super Bowl Halftime show). Certainly this new movie is no Black
Panther. It has its flaws. It tries a little too hard to get things moving in
the first act, and it does feel fairly slight overall, a Minor Marvel.” However,
for the majority of its runtime, it flies, mostly thanks to Anthony Mackie’s strong
presence.
Following “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Sam
Wilson, reprised by Mackie, has made the difficult decision to become the next
Captain America. (Anderson noted, “The series explored complex issues of Blackness
and racism that are largely ignored here.”) However, it was a good choice. Watching
him attack villains using his wings and shield as graceful arsenal is always
amazing. Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam doesn’t have any superpowers, and his humanity
is part of his charm.
Sam has been sent on a mission to retrieve a
mysterious canister, which he does, however something about the mission doesn’t
seem right. After that, he’s invited to the White House, where President Ross,
played by Harrison Ford (taking over the role of “Thunderbolt” from the late
William Hurt), is going to make an announcement. (Ford returns to the White
House for the first time since “Air Force One.”) Same brings his new partner,
the supposed next Falcon Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), and their tough
super-soldier trainer, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly). Isaiah has a rancor after
having been imprisoned and experimented on for decades, and has no love for Ross,
but goes anyway (Anderson described, “the movie's most irritating first-act
nitpick”).
Suddenly, Isaiah tries to shoot the president, but
after a chase, seems to have no memory of what he did. He goes to prison Sam
promises to find out what happened. There are several other incidents of being
mind-control, as President Ross tries to dispute a treaty with Japan and
several other countries, and the talks – which had previously been going well –
begin to break down.
The diverse cast also includes the fascinating, lovely
Shira Haas as the president’s security advisor, and an awesome Black Widow.
Xosha Roquemore plays a Black, female Secret Service agent. Giancarlo Esposito
plays a sneaky, evil person called Sidewinder (Anderson said, “who, I suspect,
we might see again someday”). Finally, Takehiro Hira plays the Japanese Prime
Minister. The movie keeps the Big Bad a secret for a while, who is played by
Tim Blake Nelson.
Anderson said, “The director is Nigerian-born Julius
Onah, whose previous features The Cloverfield Paradox and Luce wouldn't suggest
an artist ready for the Marvel Universe, especially given that the former was a
muddled mess and the latter was talky and static.” However, he steps it up,
giving “Captain America: Brave New World” with a beautiful flexibility,
especially in the flying scenes. The Red Hulk parts, while short, is gripping
and intense, especially when a damaged Sam is helped out from under a pile of
rubble and finds the being still standing. He knows he has nothing left.
Anderson said, “Frankly, it's Mackie that makes all
this work for me.” He’s an incredibly adaptable actor, tough but funny and very
helpless when it counts. He plays well with his cast member, creating a great
camaraderie when it’s right, but also tension when it matters. Anderson said, “He
ranks near Paul Rudd's Ant-Man as perhaps one of the most lovable of the Marvel
heroes, guys who are more or less reliant on a suit and their wits. Maybe it's
appropriate that Mackie's first Cap movie is a bit jerry-rigged and imperfect.”
While the shield itself may be perfectly made and balanced, the same can’t
really be said for this movie, but it’s messy and human and it has a big heart,
perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Spoiler alert: the post-credits scene shows Sam
visiting the protagonist in his maximum-security cell who warns Sam about
another threat approaching.
I know that this film is not one of the best MCU
movies, but I still think it is one of the good ones. We have Sebastain Stan
and Liv Tyler make quick cameos, and I found myself getting into this film. There
were some edge-of-your-seat, gripping moments, and some dramatic moments that
make you want to know what might happen. I liked the action, of course, and
Mackie really does amazing in this role. Ford does a good job as the replacement
for Ross. Check this out on Disney+ and see if you agree with this review or
not. As always, judge it based on your own thoughts.
Thank you for reading this blog tonight. Stay tuned
this Friday for the finale of “Greek Mythology Month.”
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