CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD – Hulk in the White House

Is the fourth Captain America film one you’ll remember for the next decade, earning its place in superhero cinema history alongside its iconic predecessors? Absolutely not. Will it revitalize Marvel and prove the franchise can thrive post-Endgame without Chris Evans? Not quite. But it remains a solid piece of entertainment, with more missteps than major flaws.

Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson’s early days as the titular hero while also depicting the beginning of Thunderbolt Ross’s presidency. It quickly becomes clear that the new U.S. leader and Captain America won’t see eye to eye, especially as Ross’s past secrets start coming to light.

One thing that immediately stands out is the film’s deep connection to the MCU. It features numerous references to past Marvel projects—including less celebrated ones like The Incredible Hulk and Eternals—and brings back several familiar characters alongside Sam Wilson. While this may excite longtime fans, it could leave casual viewers feeling lost if they haven’t followed the franchise since 2008.

Despite the marketing heavily promoting a showdown between Captain America and Red Hulk, the film surprisingly leans into a more grounded, political-thriller atmosphere. While its scale remains relatively intimate (with a few exceptions), the central intrigue is engaging, though its resolution is somewhat underwhelming.

A major casting shift sees Harrison Ford stepping into the role of Thunderbolt Ross, following the passing of William Hurt three years ago. Ford, well-known for his legendary roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, also has a history in political and espionage films like The Fugitive and Patriot Games. His casting as Marvel’s president seems far from coincidental, especially given his Air Force One legacy.

Ford smoothly takes over as Ross, bringing a slightly softer and more ambiguous portrayal in line with the film’s script. The political subtext feels timely, too—Ross, an aging president (Ford is the same age as Joe Biden), struggles with the pressures of leadership, which may resonate with critics of the current administration. Meanwhile, his descent into power-driven chaos, manipulated by a technocratic mastermind, might bring a knowing smile to those critical of President Trump.

Anthony Mackie steps confidently into the role of Sam Wilson, ensuring the new Captain America isn’t just a carbon copy of Steve Rogers. Wilson is more flawed, self-aware of his limitations, and still growing into the role of a global leader. Stripping him of the super-soldier serum doesn’t weaken his character—instead, it gives him a unique identity and a different kind of energy. This is particularly evident in the film’s standout action sequence: a high-flying aerial battle between Captain America and a fleet of Japanese fighter jets over a sunken Celestial’s body.

Unfortunately, the film stumbles when it comes to dialogue, which often feels forced, serving either to amplify dramatic weight or simply dump exposition. The direction also lacks the confidence of the Russo brothers, with certain tonal missteps—like inserting slow-motion moments into an otherwise gritty action scene.

The villains, meanwhile, are the film’s weakest link. The primary antagonist, shrouded in mystery, lacks depth and has almost no meaningful interactions with other characters. The secondary villain, played by Giancarlo Esposito, feels like a recycled version of his usual mastermind roles, running on autopilot.

By the time the credits roll on Sam Wilson’s first solo outing as Captain America, there’s a sense of satisfaction in seeing him take up Steve Rogers’s mantle—but also a hint of disappointment. Brave New World doesn’t quite reach the heights of The First Avenger, The Winter Soldier, or Civil War, but it remains a competent, if unremarkable, chapter in the MCU.