Pondering on an adjective that encapsulates Captain America: Brave New World, I find myself frequently using the term uneven. The hand-to-hand combat is often remarkably superior to typical Marvel films, while some of the green screen backdrops and visual effects are quite shoddy compared to the MCU’s usual quality. Characters from other parts of the MCU appear unexpectedly with no explanation, and dialogue can be overtly expository, like repeated blows from the Red Hulk. For every strong scene, there seems to be a weak one, or even two.
Essentially, nearly every notable scene showcases Anthony Mackie as the latest Captain America. Post the occurrences in “Avengers: Endgame” and “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” Sam Wilson, who transitioned from paratrooper to social worker and eventually superhero, is now officially donning the Captain America mantle. This new role sets him on a collision course with another established Marvel character, Thunderbolt Ross, who has taken over as President of the United States in the MCU (portrayed by Harrison Ford, replacing the late William Hurt).
As a die-hard Marvel enthusiast, I must say that the tension between General Ross and Captain America has been palpable in our comic book world. (It’s worth mentioning that the movie counterpart of General Ross has a peculiar knack for transforming into a destructive beast.) In his new role as President, Ross is seeking Sam’s assistance to safeguard a critical international agreement regarding an island, which emerged from beneath the Indian Ocean during the events of Eternals, and seems to be brimming with invaluable minerals. (A heads up: If you’re not already familiar with this Celestial Island, you might find yourself occasionally bewildered while watching Brave New World.)
Immediately after Ross brings Captain America on board, a shocking attack takes place at the White House, hinting at a vast conspiracy. It falls upon Sam and his associate, Joaquin Torres, who now carries on the Falcon’s legacy as Sam’s previous costumed persona, to root out the mastermind behind this assassination attempt. If left unchecked, they must stop him from disrupting the treaty and potentially causing global chaos.
The plot, attributed to five writers, sends the protagonists on an erratic, perplexing, and somewhat foolish quest for clues. It vaguely resembles “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” in its portrayal of ’70s paranoid thrillers, but unlike “Brave New World,” it avoids any contentious political issues or contemporary relevance, rendering its mystery and main antagonist devoid of satirical impact. The antagonist is mostly a theatrical disappointment, with powers that appear to be boundless, making him hard to defeat – until the script conveniently makes his demise effortless.
In the midst of my confusion over the blurred narrative in Brave New World, my appreciation for Anthony Mackie’s performance as he navigated it was significantly heightened. His portrayal of Captain America is captivating, exuding charm, charisma, power, and empathy. (The movie cleverly utilizes his real-life background as a trauma counselor.) He seamlessly transitions between being quick-witted when necessary and convincingly stoic at other moments. His presence on screen radiates heroism.
In the movie or series, Sam lacks a significant character development and main objective beyond freeing an incarcerated friend; however, a minor yet meaningful side-plot emerges about how he’s unlike Chris Evans’ Captain America in terms of possessing superpowers. Despite having Cap’s shield, an impressive jetpack, and wings, Sam is shown to be merely a human being when these tools are taken away, exposing his vulnerability. Throughout the story, he endures stabbings, shootings, and beatings but consistently gets back up, demonstrating resilience. Even though he doesn’t use Steve Rogers’ famous “I could do this all day” catchphrase, Sam embodies a similar spirit of quiet perseverance.
Typically, Sam engages his adversaries using traditional methods; however, there are scenes where he exhibits extraordinary abilities such as slicing cars in half with his advanced wings or escaping from fighter jets at high speed. The majority of the action – and arguably the best action – consists of intricately choreographed hand-to-hand combat, featuring MMA-inspired techniques like complex throws and takedowns. Although some viewers might wonder if a man with a shield and metallic wings could hold his own against a Red Hulk, I prefer a more relatable Marvel character – one who is outmatched by stronger enemies but never quits – over any other day of the week, and even on Free Comic Book Day.
Ford’s transition into the Red Hulk offers some amusing moments – he truly gives it his all, making it enjoyable to witness – and the hints at upcoming Marvel escapades are as enticing as they’ve been in quite a while. They even suggest films I would have preferred over “Brave New World,” which undoubtedly ranks as the weakest “Captain America” installment yet, despite its Captain America character showing potential. As I mentioned earlier: Inconsistent.
The transformation of Ford into the Red Hulk provides some good laughs – he really throws himself into it, which is entertaining to watch – and the hints at future Marvel stories are as exciting as they’ve been in a while. They also suggest movies I would have preferred over “Brave New World,” which appears to be the weakest “Captain America” movie so far, despite its Captain America character showing potential. As I mentioned earlier: Inconsistent.)
Additional Thoughts:
Regarding the character of Red Hulk, and the presence of Tim Blake Nelson and Liv Tyler, it seems that the movie “Brave New World” has more connections to the film “The Incredible Hulk” as opposed to “Captain America: Civil War”, or even “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”. One might wonder why a Captain America movie would be so preoccupied with an old Hulk film that wasn’t well-received, considering it’s about creating a fresh new world. Isn’t it meant to explore uncharted territory?
RATING: 5/10
Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best
35. Eternals
Initially, I wouldn’t have anticipated that a Marvel film directed by an Academy Award winner and inspired by some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics would result in one of the company’s least vital productions. Regrettably, Eternals, despite being generally faithful to Kirby’s core ideas, fails to coalesce effectively. It introduces minor yet significant alterations that are somewhat frustrating, such as transforming the malevolent Deviants into generic monsters lacking clear objectives or motivations. The ensemble cast, including Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry in supportive roles, delivers decent performances. However, the two main characters, Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris, find it challenging to convey their supposed centuries-old romance convincingly (their relationship spans 6,000 years; they appear as if they’re on their first awkward date). The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the bonds between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to forsake them for a repetitive series of dull fight sequences against unengaging monsters. It is challenging to imagine a more tedious film about immortal alien robots striving to thwart impending apocalypse than this one.
34. The Incredible Hulk
The film appears to be so poorly made, it seems like Marvel was taken aback when Iron Man turned out to be a hit and hurriedly produced this. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s supreme soldier, who transforms into a large, bony creature resembling a turd, is a decision Loki wouldn’t even consider a minor crime (for more details, see [here](…)).
33. Thor: The Dark World
Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ version of Thor, what we ended up with was a rather gloomy pursuit for a mystical artifact, featuring one of the most unexciting villains in all of Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there is a silver lining, it could be that this film not performing as poorly might have encouraged Marvel to take greater risks and make significant changes like they did with Thor: Ragnarok (for more details, check out the link below).
32. The Marvels
This Marvel film isn’t the most disappointing – it actually ranks higher than three others on this list – but it’s arguably the most disorganized and intense. Three captivating Marvel characters (Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau) are haphazardly thrown together to thwart a Kree warlord determined to cause havoc for unclear reasons. Despite the actors’ strong performances, the plot is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that don’t seem to make much sense.
31. Captain America: Brave New World
In a different setting, the same plot:
30. Doctor Strange
In a nutshell, while the extraordinary imagery is commendable, the movie “Doctor Strange” seems to be an enhanced version of “Iron Man 2,” with a magical twist. On the positive side, the smart conclusion involving Dormammu was appreciated. However, the odd cape worn by Strange didn’t sit well with many viewers. (Read more
the movie is perceived as similar to “Iron Man 2,” but with magic, and the ending with Dormammu was praised, while the cape was criticized.
29. Iron Man 2
Sam Rockwell’s dancing skills are better than you might recall, yet there’s still room for improvement. While his dance moves can conceal some flaws, they can’t hide them all. Trimming 15 minutes of preliminary setup from the Avengers could potentially result in a more impressive final product. (Read more here.)
Sam Rockwell’s dance abilities are better than you may recall, but they still have room for improvement. His dance moves can mask some imperfections, but not all of them. Removing 15 minutes of setup from the Avengers could potentially lead to a more impressive outcome. (Read more here.)
Lastly:
The dancing skills displayed by Sam Rockwell are better than you might think, but they still have areas that need improvement. His dance moves can cover up some issues, but not all of them. Taking out 15 minutes of preliminary scenes from the Avengers could potentially result in a more impressive movie. (Read more here.)
28. Ant-Man
The Ant-Man film isn’t bad, but it often feels like a smaller version of what could have been the Edgar Wright-directed movie we were expecting. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the best non-superpowered characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Read more
27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
In the battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even the intimidating Jonathan Majors as Kang acknowledges that Scott Lang is beyond his depth. This seemingly lopsided match-up symbolizes the film itself: The humble, low-stakes universe of the Ant-Man series, known for its sharp wit and lovable human characters, struggles to keep pace with the grand multiversal saga unfolding in Marvel Phase 5.
As a large-scale Marvel cinematic experience, it does the job. However, as an extension of the Ant-Man series, it falls short of expectations. (Unfortunately, if you were expecting to see Michael Peña’s Luis in this installment, you will be disappointed, as he is nowhere to be found.)
26. Ant-Man and the Wasp
The film “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it emphasizes its compactness, with Paul Rudd exchanging humorous banter with his co-actors, Michael Peña’s heartfelt soliloquies, and a personal, family-oriented plot revolving around a fractured clan striving to mend their relationships. (For further details, click here.)
25. Captain Marvel
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers may hold the title of the most potent hero; however, her movie could have used a bit more emotional depth. Despite this, it remains engaging primarily due to two outstanding performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos and Samuel L. Jackson, along with his impressive de-aging visual effects, portraying the youthful Nick Fury. (Continue reading
24. Black Widow
2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited standalone outing from the Avengers, titled “Black Widow.” However, instead of a solo adventure as anticipated, she predominantly served as a straight character to complement the witty banter among her Russian superhero cohorts, including David Harbour’s self-absorbed Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, “Black Widow” might not have been the fitting swan song for the character. Nevertheless, it remains a well-executed Marvel production, featuring thrilling stunt sequences and an intriguing villain in Taskmaster, who has the ability to replicate the fighting styles of any adversary he encounters.
23. Thor: Love and Thunder
Experiencing Taika Waititi’s second Thor movie, “Love and Thunder,” is somewhat like observing a magician perform the same trick again. Initially, it was astonishing. This time, while still impressive, the surprise factor has diminished. Christian Bale brings an unsettling portrayal of Gorr the God-Butcher, but his intense and emotional villain persona doesn’t quite align with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his continual humor. Essentially, “Love and Thunder” retains all the components of Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t blend together as harmoniously this time.
22. Deadpool & Wolverine
The camaraderie between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in this movie is exactly what you’d expect – it’s fantastic, even surprising at times. The plot, however, pushes the limits of how much background information a film can provide without becoming confusing. (Too many sad pasts for one character? This movie has at least two!) If you can manage not to think too hard about what’s happening on screen, you’ll have an enjoyable experience. And Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver the action you’d hope for as Deadpool and Wolverine reluctantly team up to save the Fox X-Men universe. You might find yourself wishing that the writers (including Reynolds himself) had provided a slightly more coherent storyline.
21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
An alternate take on “Iron Man 2”: You might find it worse than you recall, yet it’s still passable. The advertising emphasized the conspiracy thriller aspect too much, but Anthony Mackie as Falcon was a fantastic new addition to the series, and Chris Evans once again shone as the steadfast Captain America. However, it remains bothersome that Nick Fury, the world’s greatest spy, didn’t seem to suspect that everyone in SHIELD except for him and his two companions were completely corrupt. Come on, Nick, keep a closer watch! (For further discussion, see
20. Avengers: Infinity War
In my opinion, there’s no denying the grand scale and aspirations of this movie, not to mention its unforgettable finale. However, it seems that something essential is missing for me. If your preference in Marvel films leans towards high-octane action sequences and a dash of humor, then I suppose this film ticks all the boxes. But if you’re like me, who appreciates the characters and their bonding moments amidst the battles, this one might not quite hit the spot for you. (Read more here.)
19. Iron Man 3
The film was generally enjoyable, but its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe somewhat detracted from it. The movie’s climax revolves around Tony Stark deciding to leave his Iron Man lifestyle behind and depart, only for him to appear in several more films afterwards. Despite Guy Pearce’s underwhelming performance as Killian, Robert Downey Jr.’s frustrated interchanges with a clever child were top-notch. (For further reading, click here.)
18. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Initially: The climactic scene featuring dragons and monsters clashing amidst thick gray fog can be described as a chaotic CGI spectacle. However, prior to this point, Shang-Chi could very well be Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. For instance, the one on the San Francisco bus is quite enjoyable. Simu Liu heads up an impressive Marvel cast, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering captivating supporting roles, while Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently provide comedic relief. In particular, Kingsley as Trevor Slattery, the former Mandarin, might not have been a popular Marvel villain initially, but Marvel has managed to transform him into an endearing secondary character.
17. Thor
In an unexpected twist, the grand, universe-encompassing tale we’re referring to is predominantly set in… the tiniest town of New Mexico. Despite its flaws, as seen in Thor, this film was a Marvel pioneer. It managed to triumph over structural and script problems through exceptional casting and captivating performances, a trait that later became a hallmark of Marvel productions. (Continue reading here.)
16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Ryan Coogler encountered a tremendously tough task with “Wakanda Forever”. Apart from creating a sequel that matched the brilliance of the original “Black Panther”, he had to accomplish this without the captivating actor Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away in the summer of 2020, during the film’s production. The film shines most when it incorporates Coogler and the cast’s grief for Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with its late king’s demise. Unfortunately, the remainder of the movie can be a bit disorganized; it’s filled with intriguing concepts, numerous characters, and a villain, King Namor, whose motives aren’t always clear.
15. Captain America: Civil War
The narrative of the movie doesn’t withstand even a moment of analysis, as it primarily revolves around the epic confrontation between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. To put it simply: Oh my goodness, the intense battle at the airport is absolutely fantastic! (Read more here.)
14. Spider-Man: No Way Home
In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find a level of quality similar to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share the trait of being packed with numerous villains. However, this film does an excellent job of portraying the charm of Peter Parker as a character, someone who consistently falls short but never gives up on making things right in the future. Furthermore, it significantly expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by introducing the multiverse in a significant and impactful manner, making it a notable milestone in the ongoing storyline.
13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
15 years later, director Sam Raimi re-entered the Marvel universe with an exhilaratingly chaotic tale revolving around a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi managed to incorporate his unique elements – witty humor, maniacal zombies, sudden shocks – into the conventional Marvel framework. (Read more here.)
12. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Even though this movie isn’t as great as the initial Avengers film and has some issues with Wanda and Pietro’s storyline, the climactic sequence where the Avengers unite to rescue everyone in Sokovia encapsulates the essence of Marvel at its finest. (Read more [here](…))
11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2
The sequel of Marvel’s jokiest franchise is excessively long and features at least four post-credits scenes, which is quite a handful! Yet, it’s hard to ignore the audacity of creating a follow-up that ends on such a somber note. It’s the only Marvel film that manages to make me shed tears, and it even includes jokes about alien deity phallic symbols. In my opinion, that combination is a surefire success. (Read more
The sequel of Marvel’s most humorous franchise is undeniably lengthy, boasting at least four post-credits scenes. This might seem excessive, but it showcases the audacity of creating a sequel that concludes on a melancholic note – something unique among Marvel movies. It’s the only film within the Marvel universe that can both move me to tears and make me chuckle about cosmic deity genitalia. In my book, this mix is unbeatable. (Read more
10. Thor: Ragnarok
9. Spider-Man: Far From Home
In the sequel to Marvel’s Spidey movie, Tom Holland reprises his role as the incredible web-slinger, Spider-Man. This film may not quite match the first one in terms of greatness, but it delivers on romance, action, humor, and emotion. Although no one explicitly says “with great power comes great responsibility,” Far From Home still strongly explores this theme. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, grapples with his feelings for MJ (played by the witty Zendaya) while also being tasked by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson in a somewhat irritated performance) to combat a group of elemental villains.
The second Spidey film, starring Tom Holland as Spider-Man, has romance, action, humor, and emotion. While no one says “with great power comes great responsibility,” it’s still a key theme. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) struggles between his romantic feelings for MJ (Zendaya) and his mission to stop elemental bad guys given to him by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).
8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn expertly concludes his Guardians trilogy with a movie that offers the perfect Marvel blend: Thrilling action, quirky science fiction visuals, and deeply emotional characters we grow deeply attached to. By the finale of Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon evolves from a B-list Marvel character to one of the most compelling and tragic heroes in the company. After a series of less impressive films, Gunn makes it seem effortless. It’s unfortunate that he’s moving on to work with DC.
7. Avengers: Endgame
A significant leap from “Infinity War” and arguably the second greatest Marvel film, boasting grand scale action sequences, numerous chuckles, and a potential record-breaking number of Easter eggs across any cinematic universe. (For further details, check out this article.)
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most enjoyable flicks, this one boasts captivating characters, thrilling web-slinging sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting Spider-Man to perform a flip (which he does). Aren’t you hooked?! (Continue reading here.)
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
In the middle of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s timeline, the first “Guardians” film played a significant role in proving that Marvel could successfully appeal to audiences with lesser-known properties. Before James Gunn took over, the Guardians were merely a minor mention, but he transformed them into an unexpected hit. Without a doubt, Rocket is the superior Guardian – this is indisputable, so there’s no need for debate, just acknowledge it as truth. (For further details, see [here](your link here).)
4. Captain America: The First Avenger
Although this film might have some issues with its plot structure, as it condenses an entire war into a montage, Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America is arguably the most effective character adaptation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This movie transformed a hero often criticized for being bland or outdated into a dynamic, charismatic, multidimensional individual embodied by human virtues. It’s the ideal MCU film to watch when you need a dose of inspiration. [Read more here.]
3. Black Panther
In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for profound connections with the cosmos, Black Panther demonstrates the benefits of a self-contained narrative. At the conclusion of the film, as Black Panther decides to share Wakanda with the outside world (and its characters with future roles), it’s meant to be a joyful resolution. However, if this means that the potential sequel will become more scattered and packed with numerous guest appearances, perhaps it isn’t such a happy ending after all. [Read more here.]
2. The Avengers
Despite the events of Infinity War, the original Avengers movie remains an astonishing feat. Each character is skillfully balanced, the dialogue is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York stands among the greatest action sequences of the 21st century. (You can read more about it here.)
1. Iron Man
The original film remains unsurpassed in quality. Reflecting on it now, we can see that its freedom from ties to a broader universe contributed to its excellence. Scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s character Tony Stark testing his armor and subsequently flying for the first time convey the excitement of superpowers more effectively than any other movie ever made by Marvel or anyone else, capturing this thrill better than any film in history. (Read more here.)
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2025-02-12 20:32