The boldest thing about Captain America: Brave New World? Its title
Captain America: Brave New World is a film that seems to be asking audiences to consider the political implications of its story, despite being part of the struggling fifth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie, which features Sam Wilson as Captain America, raises questions about the ethics of operating as an extra-judicial arm of the government, a theme that has been explored in previous Marvel films. Wilson’s concerns about the power he wields as a superhero are brought to the forefront when he is summoned to the White House by President Thaddeus Ross to reassemble the Avengers.
The plot takes a twist when a giant robot alien emerges from the ocean, revealing a significant store of adamantium, a rare and precious metal that threatens to strain America’s relationship with Japan. As Wilson grapples with his responsibilities as a hero, his old mentor Isaiah Bradley attempts to assassinate President Ross, sparking tensions and bringing real-life political events to the forefront.
Despite its attempts to address timely issues, Captain America: Brave New World falls short in delivering a meaningful exploration of its themes. The film’s lack of depth is compounded by its shifting release schedule and multiple writers, resulting in a shallow portrayal of complex political dynamics. The inclusion of the character Sabra, a hero with ties to Mossad, further highlights the movie’s tendency to gesture vaguely towards difficult conversations without truly engaging with them.
The MCU’s struggle to address challenging topics is evident throughout the film, as it touches on themes of American imperialism, Black nationalism, and afrofuturism without delving into them in a meaningful way. The decision to focus on action sequences and superhero tropes rather than exploring the complexities of its characters and their motivations ultimately diminishes the impact of the story.
As Marvel continues to churn out films that struggle to meet the high expectations set by its expansive universe, Captain America: Brave New World serves as a reminder of the limitations of event cinema. Despite solid performances and entertaining action sequences, the film’s lack of depth and its superhero’s lack of superpowers leave audiences wanting more. In a landscape where audiences expect bigger and bolder storytelling, a low-rent Iron Man with wings just doesn’t cut it.
