Captain America: Brave New World is a superhero action film that was released in theaters on February 14, 2025, as part of Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Julius Ona, the film is a sequel to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier TV series and the fourth film in the Captain America film series. It stars Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Tim Blake Nelson, Liv Tyler, and Giancarlo Esposito in the lead roles. The film is produced by Marvel Studios, with a screenplay written by Malcolm Spellman, Dallon Musson, Rob Edwards, Ona, and Peter Glanz. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes and is rated UA16+. How was the movie, starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson as the new Captain America and Harrison Ford as the Red Hulk? Let's see my feelings, highlights, and shortcomings in this review!
What's the story?
Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), who received the shield from Steve Rogers in Avengers: Endgame, became Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. In the film, Sam, along with his friend Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez)—the new Falcon—, on the orders of US President-elect Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford) in Oaxaca, Mexico, recovers a secret artifact stolen by the Serpent Group led by Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito). However, Sidewinder escapes. After this mission, Sam, Torres, and Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), a victim of the super-soldier serum, are honored by Ross at the White House. Ross plans to make an international treaty with Japan regarding Celestial Island (the adamantium mine that originated in Eternals) and rebuild the Avengers. However, Bradley, who is mind-controlled by the song "Mr. Blue" during the event, attempts to assassinate Ross. This incident leads Sam on a mission to uncover an international conspiracy. How do Ross's transformation into the Red Hulk, the villainous plan of the Leader (Tim Blake Nelson), and the secret past of Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas) all come together in this story? How does Sam stop this conspiracy? The story is told.
My Feelings: Promising start, but a flat finish!
When I watched the trailer, I thought, “Wow, this is going to be a big comeback for the MCU!” with Sam Wilson as Mackie as the new Captain America, Harrison Ford as the Red Hulk, and the Winter Soldier-like grounded thriller tone. The Mexico mission, the White House attack, the Sam-Torres chemistry, and Isaiah Bradley’s emotional backstory in the first half were impressive. As one user wrote on X, “Mackie’s charm, Ford’s Red Hulk transformation is the life of the movie!” I agree with the sentiment. However, in the second half, the screenplay felt confusing, the subplots overloaded, and the climax rushed. The 48% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a B- rating on CinemaScore indicate a mixed response to the film. While the Red Hulk fight is a highlight, its limited screen time, lack of impact as the lead villain, and CGI flaws are disappointing. Compared to Captain America classics like The Winter Soldier and Civil War, the film fails to deliver the same level of thrill and emotional depth.
Technical aspects, acting
Technically, Brave New World is a mixed bag. Ramsay Avery's cinematography, featuring the Washington, D.C. cherry blossoms and Mexico action scenes, is visually impressive. The red and blue color tones are a decent workout to symbolize chaos and peace. However, the VFX, especially the Red Hulk CGI and green screen backgrounds, feel clunky here and there. While Benjamin Walfish's background score energizes the action scenes, the songs are not memorable. The editing is exposition-heavy in the first half, and rushed in the second half. The production values are rich by Marvel standards, and Sam's new navy blue costume is impressively close to the comics.
Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson) is the strength of the film in his acting. Continuing the legacy that Steve Rogers left behind, he makes Sam a relatable captain with his charming, grounded acting. His stunt work in the action scenes with the wings is impressive. Harrison Ford (Ross/Red Hulk) brings a mix of comedy and seriousness to his role, making the Red Hulk transformation scenes laughable, but his screen time is short. Danny Ramirez (Torres) brings energy and coolness as the Falcon. Shira Haas's (Ruth) character is underdeveloped, confusing, and the reshoots are clearly visible. Tim Blake Nelson (Leader) is decent as the villain, but lacks impact in the written role. Carl Lumbly (Bradley) and Liv Tyler (Bette Ross) give emotional moments in supporting roles.
Likes, Dislikes
Likes:
Mackie's performance: Charm as Sam Wilson, stuntwork highlight in action scenes.
Ford's Red Hulk: Red Hulk transformation, fight scenes fun, Ford's comedic timing is amazing.
Action sequences: Aerial battles with shield, wings, hand-to-hand combat are thrilling.
Grounded themes: Sam facing racism as Black Captain America, Isaiah Bradley's backstory gave emotional depth.
Visuals: Cherry blossoms, color tones are visually appealing.
Dislikes:
Confusing screenplay: Overloaded subplots, exposition heavy dialogues, rushed climax.
Villain of the Week: The leader and sidewinder characters are underutilized and lack impact.
CGI Flaws: Red Hulk, green screen VFX are clunky and not up to Marvel standards.
Underdeveloped Characters: Ruth and Betty Ross' characters are not well developed, and the reshoots look like they were reshot.
Political Messaging: The racism and legacy themes start out promising, but end up feeling half-baked.
Who should watch it?
Captain America: Brave New World is a decent watch for Marvel fans, Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford fans, and those who like grounded MCU films like Winter Soldier and Civil War. With a UA16+ rating, there is mild violence, action scenes, and political themes, so youth, college groups, and superhero film lovers can enjoy it. However, the film may disappoint Telugu audiences who are expecting mass entertainers like Pushpa 2, Matka, or a tight thriller on the level of Winter Soldier. Mixed reviews on social media with the tag “#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld” and box office collections ($414.3 million, the fourth highest grossing film of 2025) indicate a moderate success for the film. Despite leaks on Filmyzilla and TamilRockers, watching it in theaters in IMAX 3D and 4DX will give a better experience.
Rating: 2.75/5
Captain America: Brave New World started promisingly with Anthony Mackie's charm, Harrison Ford as the Red Hulk, thrilling action scenes, and grounded themes. But, confusing screenplay, weak villains, CGI errors, rushed climax, and half-baked political messaging kept the film a half-success. Julius Ohna tried to recreate the Winter Soldier tone, but the execution falters. A time watch in the theater for Marvel fans, but not an MCU classics-level experience. Even though Mackie is a showman as Sam Wilson, this film will not give a full kick to the Telugu audience!
Release Date: February 14, 2025 (Theatres), April 15, 2025 (Digital)
Director: Julius Ona
Writers: Malcolm Spellman, Dallon Musson, Rob Edwards, Julius Ona, Peter Glanz
Cast: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Tim Blake Nelson, Liv Tyler
Rating: UA16+ (Mild Violence, Action, Political Themes)