Captain America: Brave New World is exactly what it promises—a bold step into a new era for Marvel while still holding onto the classic DNA that made the franchise great. It’s got high-flying action, a Red Hulk that delivers, and Anthony Mackie proving that being Captain America is about more than just strength—it’s about heart.
Sam Wilson: More Grit, Less Serum
Sam Wilson isn’t Steve Rogers, but he doesn’t need to be. He doesn’t have the super-soldier serum, even though at times Wilson may think he does, because he’s not punching out aliens with one hand, and he’s not throwing a motorcycle like it’s a frisbee. But that’s the point. The movie repeatedly drives home the idea that what makes Captain America isn’t super strength—it’s being a good man. And Sam? He’s got that in spades. Watching him struggle, fall, and rise again makes his journey feel earned, just like Steve’s was way back in The First Avenger.
His bond with the new Falcon, Joaquin Torres (played by Danny Ramirez), adds a fresh dynamic to the story. Their camaraderie reflects the early friendship between Steve and Sam—mentorship, mutual respect, and plenty of good-natured banter. And just when you think things couldn’t get better, we get a fun visit from Bucky Barnes, who has taken on a new role in life but still manages to offer his signature grumpy wisdom. Because let’s be real—what’s a Captain America movie without at least one piece of unsolicited Bucky advice?
Action Vibes: Top Gun Meets John Wick
The action in this movie? It’s intense and more grounded in realism. If you’ve ever wanted to see Captain America go full Top Gun with aerial combat and mix it up with some John Wick-style close-quarters beatdowns, this is the movie for you. Sam’s fighting style is completely different from Steve’s—more acrobatics, more tactical thinking, and yes, he still finds ways to use those wings in ways that make you wish you had a vibranium jetpack. The flight sequences, especially those featuring fighter jets, are reminiscent of wartime aerial battles, paying tribute to the bravery of real-life pilots who fought in history’s most defining moments.
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And then there’s Red Hulk. Oh yeah, he’s here, and he’s not just some throwaway CGI monster. Ross, played by Harrison Ford (in full grumpy grandpa mode), is intimidating as both a President and a Hulked-out powerhouse. If you ever wondered what it would be like if Indiana Jones could bench-press the White House, WELL now, you know. And despite his many transgressions, you still find yourself empathizing with him. His Red Hulk transformation happens toward the end, and while it’s a scene-stealer, it leans more into the “lean, green and mean” (as Lou Ferrigno once said)style Hulk, but we don’t get too much screen time with his transformation. We would have also loved to see more of his daughter, Betty, though—hopefully, that’s something Marvel will explore down the line.
The Real Heart of the Movie: Isaiah Bradley
But beyond all the fights and explosions, Brave New World has something to say. Carl Lumbly’s Isaiah Bradley once again delivers an emotional gut punch, forcing us to reckon with both a fictional and very real past. The scenes reflecting on his story, especially the one highlighting his wedding suit to his late wife, are some of the most powerful in the entire film. It’s a reminder that while this is a superhero flick, it’s also a story about justice, redemption, and not forgetting the people history tries to erase.
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A Worthy Successor
Could we have gotten more plot? Sure. The villain, Samuel Sterns, while clever and does wreak havoc isn’t as prominent as one might expect, but that just means he’s a stepping stone to something bigger—a fact that’s made clear in the end credits scene. But let’s be real—most action movies aren’t about intricate plots. Brave New World focuses on characters, and that’s where it shines. It does an excellent job of showing why Sam Wilson deserves to wield the shield. He may stumble, he may struggle, but at the end of the day, he fights for what’s right—not because he’s strong, but because he’s good.
