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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Shields up, Sam: A review of 'Captain America: Brave New World'

Shields up, Sam: A review of 'Captain America: Brave New World'

Published Feb 16, 2025 02:18 pm

At A Glance

  • The story follows Sam Wilson as he fully embraces his role as the new Captain America and navigates a political turmoil caused by a mysterious antagonist, threatening both national and international stability.
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A scene from 'Captain America: Brave New World'

By Jolo Flores

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has now entered a brave new world.

Marvel Studios returns with their latest installment, directed by Julius Onah and featuring Anthony Mackie’s first solo outing as Captain America following the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

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The story follows Sam Wilson as he fully embraces his role as the new Captain America and navigates a political turmoil caused by a mysterious antagonist, threatening both national and international stability.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is bringing back its ability to blend superhero spectacle with political thrills, an approach previously accomplished by Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

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The action sequences are dynamic, with Wilson showcasing his own unique fighting style that distinguishes him from Steve Rogers.

Anthony Mackie delivers a strong performance, balancing the weight of responsibility with personal struggles. Harrison Ford brings authority and nuance to his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as President Thaddeus Ross. The return of Liv Tyler and Tim Blake Nelson from 2008.

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The Incredible Hulk provides a mix of nostalgia into the film. Danny Ramirez and Shira Haas bring fresh energy while Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley adds emotional depth.

Despite its strengths, the movie does have some shortcomings. The pacing feels uneven as the plot gets tangled in political discussions. Additionally, the film’s villain lacks the compelling presence of the MCU antagonists, making the central conflict less impactful than it could have been. 

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The film is also more action-driven than story-driven, and given its rushed runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes, some of the characters should have been given more time to flesh out.

Hence, Brave New World is an engaging but imperfect entry in the MCU. It successfully passes the mantle from Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson, offering thought-provoking themes and thrilling action.

While it may not reach the heights of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, it sets the stage for exciting future entries in the franchise.

With that being said, I am going to give this movie…

7/10!

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