‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Draws Mixed First Reactions, Some Praising as an ‘Absolute Blast’ and Others Saying It’s ‘Slightly Empty’
Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” has been unveiled for members of the press, and the first reactions toward the comic book tentpole are coming in lukewarm.
Washington Post entertainment reporter Herb Scribner praised “Brave New World” on X, calling it an “Absolute blast. All-in on the story. It just checked so many boxes for me. Felt like an MCU movie where other projects actually matter again. Lots of cohesion.”
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Others, like film critic Cris Parker, wrote the film “didn’t quite hit the emotional or narrative highs I was hoping for. Loved Mackie as Cap and I appreciated the more serious tone but it did feel slightly empty.”
Film critic Emmanuel Noisette gave a similar review as Parker, writing on X, “[‘Brave New World’] was grounded, entertaining, and to the point. Solid action & mild surprises. Red Hulk [was great]. Felt like it pulled A LOT of political punches. Hard to tell whether the marketing showed too much or if the movie didn’t have much else to offer. It was average.”
However, entertainment writer Chris Gallardo agreed with Scribner, writing, “[‘Brave New World’] proves Anthony Mackie has RIGHTFULLY EARNED the role of Captain America. He puts it all in as Sam Wilson and his chemistry with Danny Ramirez is great! Harrison Ford as President Ross/Red Hulk is charming and the action really rocks when it happens.”
“Captain America: Brave New World” marks Anthony Mackie’s first time in the lead role of a Marvel movie. He joined the MCU as Sam Wilson/Falcon more than a decade ago in 2014’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” opposite Chris Evans as the title character. Evans’ Steve Roger officially passed the Captain America shield to Sam at the end of 2019’s “Avenger: Endgame,” setting Mackie up as one of the MCU’s new major headliners. The 2021 Disney+ limited series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” found Sam wrestling with what being Captain America means and if she pick up the shield or not. He chose the latter, thus giving way to “Captain America: Brave New World.”
In the new film, Sam must put aside his differences with U.S. president Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford, taking over for the late William Hurt) to investigate a conspiracy theory tied to an assassination attempt and the global battle for adamantium possession. The film’s supporting cast includes Danny Ramirez as the new Falcon, Giancarlo Esposito as the villain Sidewinder and Shira Haas as U.S. government agent Sabra.
“Captain America: Brave New World” opens in theaters Feb. 14 from Disney and Marvel Studios.
Check out more reactions below.
“See #CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld on the biggest screen possible. It does what it should and is entertaining blockbuster action. Anthony Mackie kicks ass as Captain America. Loved it. A great entry into the MCU. Props to Laura Karpman on a mighty score.” – Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt)
“Anthony Mackie and Danny Ramirez are my new favorite duo. And yes, more of Harrison Ford in the MCU. Red Hulk for Halloween? I need to start working out.” – Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin)
“#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld is clunky, anticlimactic, and about as exciting as a rerun. The screenplay gives the characters little to do, the action feels like it’s just checking a box, and Red Hulk? Don’t bother getting hyped. As the 35th film in the MCU, it plays things way too safe.” – John Flickinger (@theFLICKpick)
“#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld is a lot of things: some good, some okay. It’s exciting, offers a worthwhile message in a divisive time, is a return to form for the mainline MCU after a string of disappointments, and is one of the first to progress the MCU story itself post-Endgame.” – Ben Kendrick (@benkendrick)
“#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld was pretty good! I was worried the movie was gonna feel Frankensteined together, but it was pretty seamless. I can’t wait to see Anthony Mackie put the New Avengers together. This is a great follow up to ‘The Falcon & Winter Soldier’ and ‘The Incredible Hulk.'” – Joseph Deckelmeier (@joedeckelmeier)
“This was okay. Super flawed and felt like this film was about everybody else except Sam as he steps into the Cap moniker. Doesn’t capitalize on its strengths at all, which left me super underwhelmed.” – Brittany Patrice (@BB18180)
“Nothing brave about #CaptainAmerica/#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld. A flat political thriller with scattershot emotional stakes, recycled plot points, & a disengaging path forward. Another forgettable villain.” – Jeff Nelson (@SirJeffNelson)
“#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld is great when it allows Sam Wilson to shine alongside Joaquin Torres as they navigate the complexities of their heroism and America. But it gets muddled with what is clear to be set up for the future of the MCU. There are some exciting moments…”- Tamara Fuentes (@tamara_fuentes)
“‘Captain America: Brave New World’ was def better than I thought it was going to be. I love the banter between Danny Ramirez & Anthony Mackie. Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk CGI is great. It’s certainly has its issues but I loved the fan service surprises.” – Tessa Smith (@MamasGeeky)
“#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld is the most meh MCU film to date. Both feels to small in scope and tries to do far too much world building. The soul of the film feels lost in all the reshoots.” – Lee Travis (@LeeTravis_)
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