Captain America: Brave New World Fails to Soar With Weak Script and Awkward Dialogue

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It’s only fair that Anthony Mackie and his character Sam Wilson get better treatment from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Truth be told, the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” has showcased both actor and character more effectively than the fourth film in the franchise, “Captain America: Brave New World.” Regrettably, this movie falls short due to its disjointed narrative, sluggish pacing, and rough editing. Despite some thrilling action scenes, it’s hampered by dialogue that ranks among the MCU’s worst.

The dialogue in “Captain America: Brave New World” isn’t easy to soften the blow. It seems like someone attempted to create rapid-fire banter akin to Aaron Sorkin without actually watching his work. Unfortunately, it seldom comes across as amusing or clever, but rather awkward. To make matters worse, the film often feels like it’s being played at 1.25 times speed, causing characters to react before anyone could fully understand what they’re saying. This leads to some uncomfortable and contrived exchanges. The more the movie strives for humor, the more it falls short.

Instead of being consistently amusing, “Captain America: Brave New World” often aims for grand, uplifting moments. However, these moments tend to lack impact, much like Sam Wilson’s lengthy speech from his previous Disney+ appearance. This isn’t Anthony Mackie’s fault, as he is once again burdened with a heavy script. Yet, his performance serves to heighten the sense of disappointment. In instances where Mackie is given quality material to work with, it becomes evident that the film could have been stronger with a more effective screenplay.

In the realm of cinematic experiences, I must say, the adrenaline-pumping action sequences in “Captain America: Brave New World” never fail to impress. Two grand spectacles, hinted at in trailers, stand out. One is a skirmish where Sam and his comrade, Danny Ramirez’s character Joaquin Torres, who reprises his role as the Falcon, engage in an aerial dogfight with fighter jets. Danny brings a captivating charisma to the screen, yet unfortunately, it appears the script hasn’t done justice to his character, as Torres is often tasked with providing humor, which isn’t always effective given the film’s scarcity of well-timed wit. However, during their major battle, the dialogue doesn’t hinder the action, and the fight sequence looks fantastic and is executed masterfully. It’s almost as if a different crew was responsible for editing scenes involving danger or peril.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, let me tell you that the epic clash between Captain America and Red Hulk is nothing short of thrilling! This fight scene, being one of the most spectacular spectacles in the movie, stands out remarkably amidst all the Hulk battles we’ve witnessed so far. What sets it apart is its unique backdrop – the White House and DC cityscape. Unlike other films that might shy away from the chaos, Captain America: Brave New World doesn’t hold back on the destruction, which adds an extra layer of realism and originality to the whole spectacle.

In the movie, there are several instances where the CGI falls short despite generally being excellent. One such instance is Tim Blake Nelson’s character, Samuel Sterns, or the Leader. Instead of evoking the intended upsetting emotion, his appearance comes off as unintentionally funny. Another VFX issue is that certain scenes seem to have been reshot using outdated green screens from 1997, making them stand out noticeably in Captain America: Brave New World. These moments are so poor that they resemble special effects from a low-budget film like Sharknado, and I was genuinely surprised they made it into the final cut.

In the second part of “Captain America: Brave New World,” the major action scenes unfold, enhancing the film overall since there’s less dialogue compared to the first half. However, certain elements of the movie maintain their effectiveness throughout. Harrison Ford delivers a commendable performance as the new President of the United States, Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. He portrays a man wrestling with his innate tendencies for a valid cause. He yearns to transform his public image and his legacy, ensuring his daughter recognizes him as a noble man. This is one of the film’s strongest concepts, but it could have been developed more deeply than it was.

In simpler terms, the film Brave New World undermines its own message by including Red Hulk, even though fans might desire it. However, this movie is a narrative and it could have had a stronger, more impactful story if Ross didn’t transform into the Hulk at all (we can’t discuss why without spoilers).

Captain America: A New Dawn” manages to steer clear of becoming a complete flop, largely due to some outstanding supporting acts. Giancarlo Esposito delivers another stellar performance as Sidewinder, even though his role deviates slightly from expectations. He plays a crucial part in the narrative. Carl Lumbly equally impresses as super soldier Isaiah Bradley, a role that turns out to be more substantial than the trailers suggested. He provides an emotional foundation for the storyline. Moreover, minor characters interact with Sam Wilson in a way that feels authentic and human, enhancing both “Cap” as a character and the overall plot.

fundamentally, however, the movie titled “Captain America: Brave New World” falls short in meeting the standards that both its star character and Chris Evans deserve. This is particularly disappointing given that it didn’t even manage to surpass “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier“, a production where the Marvel Cinematic Universe initially let down Anthony Mackie and Sam Wilson for the first time.

⭐ (2.5 of 5)

Captain America: Brave New World comes to theaters on February 14, 2025.

Mikey Walsh serves as a staff writer at TopMob. He holds nothing but positive wishes for Anthony Mackie. You can connect with him on Bluesky under the handle @burgermike, and keep track of where he appears in rankings of Targaryen rulers.

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2025-02-12 20:03