Marvel Studios has released its newest entry to the ever-expanding universe, and the beginning of a new Captain America. A new star wielding Captain America’s shield, and a stacked supporting cast sets this film in motion to send the Marvel Universe in brave new directions, though it struggles to find any emotion in its blitz of action.
Marvel Studios seemed to go through quite a creative lull over the past five or so years, with their only real success coming from their 2024 release, Deadpool and Wolverine. It seemed as though Marvel was back on top coming into 2025, so audiences had a lot to look forward to in the studio’s latest film.
Marvel fans are sure to enjoy the film, as its flurry of cameos, action sequences, and references will please those who understand and appreciate them. That’s about where the fun ends, though. Unfortunately, those who walk into the film without any previous knowledge of the Marvel universe may leave feeling underwhelmed. For all the glorious CGI stunts, the story suffers from a rushed plot and a hollow ending.
The audience isn’t supplied with much in the way of a backstory for any of the events that occur, which makes it hard for the story to find its footing. That will be enough to discourage many from attending, and rightfully so, but there’s still plenty of fun for a family movie night, and as rough as the film’s plot is, what is presented is still understandable, at least.
The arrival of a star in Harrison Ford (playing a beloved Marvel villain, no less), has been enough to draw many into theatres. Pair that with an exciting lead performance from Anthony Mackie, and you get a handful of solid performances. While the performances don’t share the star power and intensity of those in previous Marvel films, they certainly get the job done, and occasionally carry the film through some less exciting segments.
Unfortunately, due to reported reshoots the film went through, it seems as if many of the fun ensemble performances, including Ford’s and Mackie’s, were cut down for one reason or another. They still pack a punch, especially towards the end, but they aren’t able to reach the heights that many would expect from them.
Overall, Captain America: Brave New World serves as an energetic action flick that fans of Marvel will enjoy, and younger audiences will find fun, but many moviegoers will walk away unsatisfied.
