A Theatrical Release
The latest installment in the Marvel Studios cinematic universe soars with Anthony Mackie assuming the star-spangled shield as CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD presents all-new challenges!
The serialized scope of the Marvel Studios cinematic universe is impressive! Whether you subscribe to it or not, it is now an epic saga that nearly spans two decades and features an ever-growing cast, many of whom have played the same character (although some are reportedly crossing over into the dark side) for upwards now of up to five movies in the theatrical franchises, or headlined in their original limited series on Disney+. Anthony Mackie side-kicked into 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and a decade later, he finds himself promoted to captain.
[Spoiler Alert!] To be fair and allow audiences to enjoy the whole movie experience, this editorial review of the latest Marvel Studios release is delivered to you, the humble reader, spoiler-free and opens the door to discussions.
Always soaring into the thick of things, Mackie portrayed Sam Wilson, the high-flying Falcon and longtime Marvel Comics ally of the First Avenger, Steve Rogers, Captain America. Chris Evans embodied the star-spangled patriot on the big screen in seven blockbuster films before saving the galaxy and ceremoniously passing the baton (his shield) over to Sam to carry on the legacy. It wasn’t immediately easy for Sam, who may have felt in over his head sometimes, but in Captain America: Brave New World, a new hero is taking flight…just in time!
Sam Wilson (Mackie) is the new Captain America, and assuming this role comes with its share of responsibility. Continuing to incorporate an impressive wingspan into his arsenal while skillfully whipping the tried and true weapon of choice, Cap undertakes a military operation to retrieve stolen property at the behest of the US president. It’s a risky bit of business; his predecessor didn’t kowtow to any authority, but Cap and the newly elected president have some history — Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (with Harrison Ford assuming the MCU role initially portrayed by the now-deceased William Hurt) is trying to move the needle in this “brave new world.”
Hidden inside of a newly surfaced “celestial” island, the discovery of a new element, Adamantium (which will be familiar to X-Men fans), has incited a race among nations, and President Ross is brokering a peace treaty to mine its riches. Still, a sinister foe from Ross’ past has other plans. Captain America and the newly recruited Falcon (Danny Ramirez) find themselves in a diabolical plot turning allies against one another. With the world’s governments on the brink of war, Cap has to move quickly to stop a conspiracy with the US president in its crosshairs, seeing red!
It’s Sam Wilson against the world, and all eyes watch his every step on land, sea, and air as he attempts to fill some huge shoes!
Brave, Indeed.
There must have been seismic parallels for actor Anthony Mackie and the superhero role he’s been tasked with in the fourth film in the Marvel Studios franchise. Sam has confronted alien conquests and a super-powered civil war and thwarted multiple global political conspiracies, but the new Captain America is being manipulated in this film. Sam is doing his best to represent the shield, but as the US president keeps reminding him: “You’re not Steve Rogers.” His predecessor didn’t have to deal with the intense spotlight that Sam finds himself in and the skepticism that he’s the right man for the job.
Compared to real life, that dramatic tug of war has given Brave New World an entirely unexpected depth that the studio would have preferred not to be a considerable factor, but it is.
Mackie doesn’t necessarily have the star power you’d associate with Evans, but he has a welcoming, sincere, and present quality. Mostly spent his presence feeling the space of the ensemble as the Falcon, and sparring opposite Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier, Anthony Mackie revealed a relevant scope and the ability to churn up chemistry with his castmates. Here, he is expected to ground the story, which features him and an impressive wingspan, super villains, and a Hulk, and Anthony Mackie pulls it all together. He displays compassion and a deliberate sense of saving the day, which is engaging.
The film's working title was “New World Order” until it was modeled into the more amicable-sounding “Brave New World.” Director Julius Onah has expertly kept up the spy-thriller formula from which the franchise has benefitted and exploited to stand apart from Iron Man or Avengers and still manages to give this installment its identity. Mackie’s headlining turn isn’t the only formidable element; the addition of supporting cast members Ramirez (first introduced into the story via the Disney+ original series) and Shira Haas as an Israeli secret service agent supply the added ammunition to fill the ranks.
As is expected, Marvel keeps to the beats that have worked in the past and incorporates familiar elements from other films that help to tie the universe together (i.e., the revelation of a “Celestial” Island from Eternals and cameos galore). These are the bits that will appeal to the diehard fans, and although there are apparent social overtones that elevate the narrative, they will not distract from what, at its core, is a superhero film. Yes, everyone is looking at Mackie stepping into this lead role, just as Sam Wilson suits up for the fight of his life, but this is how it is — grow up!
He’s Big…and Red All Over!
Casting a formidable force such as Harrison Ford to play opposite Anthony Mackie is bold on every level. Ford provides a gravitas and credibility that no other actor could have attempted, stepping into a role that William Hurt has embodied since 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. Fittingly, it’s a dark shadow leftover from that early MCU chapter that returns to wreak havoc on our hero. This “mystery villain” is also behind Ross losing his temper, which is an understatement. Ford’s Thaddeus Ross up against Mackie’s Cap in the film’s climax is spectacular.
The transformation into a Hulk of another color will not surprise anyone who follows the comics, but it is still astonishing to witness how far special effects have come. Ford as the Red Hulk is frighteningly impressive, and whether this version of him will return will depend on how audiences react!
Shot using IMAX cameras, the aerial dogfights are much more astounding on a large screen, given the dimensions and format the audience inhabits. Brave New World isn’t necessarily treading unknown territory — it’s a Marvel movie, we’ve been here before — but it doesn’t feel like a retread. The film is a proper sequel, continuing an established narrative and moving the franchise forward. Sam Wilson is far more than just wearing a new suit; he’s continuing a legacy that encompasses the spirit of our democracy, and at a time when our freedoms have never been more fragile, there’s hope.
Captain America: Brave New World comes at an exciting time, and the social implications are very much front and center. That’s undeniable, and before anyone out there decidedly sets their hair on fire, Sam Wilson’s new role has evolved naturally, ripped right from the comic book pages, and represents a positive direction. Captain America is built on the fabric of our great democracy, which is currently frayed on every end at the moment, and given wings, freedom flies, and as has as always been the case, Captain America is here for all who believe they have a place.
Be brave in this new world.
Get your #FanzEyeView of Captain America: Brave New World here:
Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD | starring Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, and Giancarlo Esposito | is in theaters now.
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