Captain America: Brave New World is, honestly, all over the place. Some moments really work—like the hand-to-hand fight scenes, which are some of the best Marvel’s done in a while. But then there are these clunky green screen effects that feel like they were rushed through post-production. The story jumps between unexplained cameos and dialogue that’s so on-the-nose it’s almost comical. It’s frustrating because when it’s good, it’s really good, but when it’s bad, it’s hard to ignore. Anthony Mackie carries the film as Sam Wilson, but even he can’t save it from its own messiness.
Mackie is easily the best part of the movie. He’s charming, grounded, and brings a lot of heart to the role of the new Captain America. What I loved most is that Sam doesn’t have superpowers—he’s just a guy with a shield, a jetpack, and a lot of determination. Watching him get knocked down and keep getting back up is inspiring, and the fight choreography really highlights his skills. That said, the plot feels like it’s trying to do too much. Harrison Ford’s Thaddeus Ross is now president, and there’s this whole thing about a Celestial from Eternals that’s supposed to be important, but it’s all so convoluted. I kept wishing the story would just focus on Sam.
The action is hit-or-miss. The close-quarters combat is fantastic, but the big CGI-heavy set pieces? Not so much. The climax is your typical Marvel chaos, with a villain who’s overpowered one minute and easily defeated the next. Ford hamming it up as the Red Hulk is fun, but it feels out of place in a Captain America movie. And why is this film so obsessed with The Incredible Hulk? It’s been 15 years, and that movie wasn’t even a fan favorite. The whole thing just feels like it’s trying to connect too many dots instead of telling a compelling story.
At the end of the day, Brave New World is a mixed bag. Mackie’s performance and a few standout action scenes make it worth a watch, but it’s easily the weakest Captain America movie so far. It’s got moments of potential, but it’s bogged down by a messy plot, uneven pacing, and a lack of focus. If you’re a fan of Sam Wilson, you’ll find things to like, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great either—just another middle-of-the-road Marvel entry.
Top 10 Quotes from Captain America: Brave New World
“You asked for me. Here I am.” – Sam Wilson
Sam says this to Isaiah Bradley when they meet. It’s a simple line, but it represents the theme of the movie—Sam stepping up as Captain America because the world needs him.
“I was a wartime general. Now I’m a wartime president.” – Thaddeus Ross
President Ross says this while discussing the growing global conflict. He acknowledges that his leadership has always been tied to war, and now, even as president, nothing has changed.
“I have to admit, I’m still getting used to the new look.” – Sam Wilson
Sam says this when he meets Thaddeus Ross, who no longer has his signature mustache. Ross explains that he shaved it off to improve his chances of winning the election.
“Wait for it.” – Sam Wilson
Sam says this during a fight when enemies think they’ve got him beat. He stays calm, knowing he has a trick up his sleeve.
“I don’t want a variable out there that I can’t control.” – Thaddeus Ross
Ross is obsessed with control, and he says this while discussing potential threats. He doesn’t trust unpredictable factors—especially not superheroes.
“You and I haven’t always agreed in the past.” – Thaddeus Ross
Ross reminds Sam of their history, referencing their conflicts in Civil War and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He hints that they may still have differences now.
“You want me? Come and get me.” – Sam Wilson
Sam says this to Ross after he transforms into Red Hulk. Instead of running, Sam stands his ground, ready to fight.
“Someone’s been pulling the strings on everything.” – Sam Wilson
Sam realizes there’s a bigger conspiracy at play. Things aren’t adding up, and he suspects a hidden force behind the chaos.
“Captain America, caught without his wings.” – Seth Voelker
Voelker taunts Sam when he loses his wingsuit in battle, thinking he has the upper hand. But Sam proves he doesn’t need the wings to fight.
Brave New World Trailer Quotes:
• “You may be Captain America, but you’re not Steve Rogers.” – Thaddeus Ross
• “Global power is shifting. You’re just a pawn.” – Samuel Sterns
• “Captain America, caught without his wings.” – Sidewinder
• “I was a wartime general, now I’m a wartime president.” – Thaddeus Ross
You may be Captain America, but you’re not Steve Rogers. – Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross
Ross throws this at Sam as an insult, implying he isn’t as good as Steve. Sam doesn’t argue—he knows he’s a different Captain America, with his own way of doing things.
You’re right. I’m not. – Sam Wilson
Captain America: Brave New World – Review Roundup
The reviews for Captain America: Brave New World are in, and they’re a mixed bag. While some critics praise the film as a fun and solid MCU entry, others feel it lacks the spark of previous Captain America movies.
Ratings of Captain America (2025)
• Rotten Tomatoes: 52% (111 reviews, 5.5/10 avg.)
• Metacritic: 47 (13 reviews)
• IMDB: 6.1/10 (2254 Votes)
What Critics Are Saying:
• CBR (8/10): Calls it one of the best Marvel movies in years, proving the MCU still has something to offer.
• GamesRadar (3/5): Finds it uneven but praises Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford for making it worthwhile.
• The Guardian (2/5): Criticizes the film’s lackluster plot and overreliance on CGI.
• ComicBook.com (3.5/5): Thinks it’s not as good as The Winter Soldier, but still an enjoyable MCU experience.
• ComingSoon.net (7/10): Says it’s fun and rewatchable, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of previous Captain America films.
• IGN (5/10): Believes the film doesn’t feel particularly “brave” or “new,” despite strong performances.
• Dexerto (3/5): Admits it doesn’t restore faith in the MCU but says it’s still entertaining.
• SlashFilm (5/10): Calls it competently made but ultimately forgettable and lacking emotional weight.
• Empire Magazine (3/5): Describes it as fast-paced and promising but held back by inconsistencies.
The general consensus? Brave New World isn’t a disaster, but it’s far from Marvel’s best. It delivers some entertainment, but if you’re expecting another Winter Soldier, you might be disappointed.