Anthony Mackie proves he's a worthy Captain America.
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Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World hulk-smashes its way into the new year with aplomb but the aftermath is middling.
The Marvel Cinematic (MCU)’s new Captain America (Sam Wilson, formerly Falcon) fronts his first solo film alongside newly elected President Thaddeus Ross (formerly Secretary of State played by the late William Hurt). This just about covers what’s significantly “new” in the franchise’s latest addition of its evergrowing roster, with the rest of the film spent dredging up the past and putting focus on characters and a plotline that not even your casual Marvel fan can pretend to remember.
Despite it being a “Captain America” film, it is also very much a sequel to The Incredible Hulk. Yes, the very one released 17 years ago starring a different Bruce Banner and up until now, seemed like a film the studio would’ve liked us not to associate with the main timeline of the MCU.
It’s almost unfair Anthony Mackie has to share his well-deserved solo film with Harrison Ford (taking over the role of Ross from Hurt who passed in 2022), especially when the latter makes a great scene-stealer in his MCU debut. Mackie’s Wilson is plagued by the weight of the mantle but does a good job proving his worth considering his lack of super powers. Some of the film’s stronger points features Wilson showing off his combat prowess in his Wakandan-built suit and playing mentor to puppy-eyed Joaquin Torres who takes on the mantle of Falcon (Danny Ramirez).
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World is a mid-level addition to the franchise and an otherwise watchable action flick. At least they finally address the dead Celestial from Eternals (a film released 4 years ago!).
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