Captain America: Brave New World

But this is supposed to be a political thriller like The Winter Soldier and Civil War. Each explored a theme with geopolitical ramifications, fueling the story. The Adamantium plotline is that theme, but it serves only as a backdrop to the main story of Sam trying to prove himself as Captain America, which many have argued online that he has not.

Compounding Brave New World’s shallowness is its mishandling of even the superhero elements. A superhero film works because each hero and villain has a defined set of powers, giving the hero advantages and significant limitations. I’m not exactly sure what Sam’s powers are. Obviously, he can fly. His suit is lined with Vibranium, which makes him invincible. He can break the sound barrier and stop on a dime. His wings can cut through any metal, and now he has two drones to help. Everything about Sam’s power is convenient to the scripted plot, and action sequences come across as a child playing with action figures in a sandbox. Yes, this child is a decent storyteller but not a good screenwriter—all flashing lights with no substance in the end.

I also have to complain about all the supporting characters. They all have depth problems. Leading secret service is former Black Widow operative Ruth Bat-Seraph, played by Shira Haas. As a Black Widow, Ruth has a lot of drama to explore, but she exists solely to be the kick-a*s woman. The story needs diversity. Forget that she’s supposed to be Sabra from the comics. She is only here to girl-boss her way through the plot.

“Cameos from Liv Tyler to Captain America’s best buddy… all for eye candy and nothing else.”

Another major character is Secret Service Agent Leila Taylor (Xosha Roquemore), who is attached to the hip of President Ross. All she and every other supporting character does is look strong and propel the plot with dialogue. If you watch the film, ask yourself who this person is and what qualities they possess that make them different from every other character.

In a blatant attempt to boost audience interest, the film crams in cameos from Liv Tyler to Captain America’s best buddy. The quality of their screen time is all for eye candy and nothing else.

Lastly, the foreshadowing is overbearing. The trailers give away the big reveal about the Red Hulk. Why is President Ross taking pills throughout the film? Why is Betty constantly being brought up in every conversation? Why is Sam’s past about being a counselor to veterans being thrown in our faces?

The problem with Brave New World falls squarely on the writing and the story. Any goodwill you feel about this film is all the flashy action sequences and Sam triumphing in the end. In the end, superhero films are more about sympathizing with the hero versus being inspired by the hero and wanting to be a better person as a result. Captain America: Brave New World pales compared to all of its predecessors.