On the last episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) states “Even now, here, I feel it. The stares, the judgment. And there’s nothing I can do to change it. Yet, I’m still here. No super serum, no blonde hair, or blue eyes. The only power I have is that I believe we can do better.” This sentiment is still felt in Captain America: Brave New World. 

The one constant in all the Captain America movies is that Cap always goes against the grain. Even though he works for the government he questions what they do and who they stand for. Steve Rogers chose Sam Wilson to take the shield and continue to fight for the people. We see that Sam has cemented himself within the government and with the help of Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) the duo are on the front line when needed. 

Captain America: Brave New World continues the story of Sam Wilson and feels like an elongated episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) is the President, and as the movie continues, we see that he is hiding a secret. (Probably the worst-guarded secret in the MCU!) After an incident at the White House, the game of cat-and-mouse begins as we try to solve a mystery of why certain things are happening. 

What sets this movie apart from the recent MCU movies is that it feels grounded like the other Captain America movies. In this movie, Cap is not fighting aliens, instead, he is trying to find out why there was an attempted assassination of the President and who is pulling the strings. As with most spy thrillers, many characters pop up that seem to be the culprit but we soon realize who the big bad is. Here is where the movie requires some homework. If you have not seen The Incredible Hulk from 2008, stop now and go see it. This movie will give you a better understanding of the big villain who is behind the scenes. 

One thing about Captain America: Brave New World is that the pacing jumps around a few times. This could be a result of the reshoots done after the movie was filmed. While many people wondered what happened to the Celestial we saw at the end of The Eternals, we learn that the fossilized body is still around. After it is colonized, the element Adiamtium is found on it and becomes one of the plot devices for the movie. Is this how Wolverine will be introduced to the MCU? 

Captain America: Brave New World has a few great action scenes showcasing the dynamic between Sam and Jaoquin. In these moments we see that Sam’s experience with the Falcon suit is an advantage that Steve did not have when he donned the shield. Sam uses his wings and the shield awesomely and it will be cool to see other combinations of the two items in future movies. The final battle feels a little bit rushed but again we see how Sam being a normal person can use his inner strength to stop Ross from destroying everything.   

Final Thoughts: Captain America: Brave New World is a great spy thriller in the vein of The Winter Soldier and Civil War. There are some great action sequences but the movie does feel like an extended episode of The Falcon and Winter Soldier. The big bad seems a little dated but it is great to have them come back for this movie. Some of the moments do fall flat but the movie is a great direction into the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Kid-Friendly: The theme of Sam Wilson trying to be himself and not be looked at as Steve Rogers’s replacement is a strong one in the movie. Knowing that you are more than enough is a great message for kids to see. 

Violence: The level of violence in this movie is on par with the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There are a handful of fight scenes but hardly any blood is spilled. 

After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Brave New World” stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Xosha Roquemore, with Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. The film is directed by Julius Onah and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore. Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serve as executive producers. The screenplay is by Rob Edwards and Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musso and Julius Onah & Peter Glanz with story by Rob Edwards and Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musson. “Captain America: Brave New World” opens in U.S. theaters on February 14, 2025.