Captain America: Brave New World
⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Captain America (Anthony Mackie) is under pressure like no other member of the original Avengers on multiple levels. Within the narrative, the new version of this beloved superhero must navigate a new world of celestial invasions, Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford replacing William Hurt) being the president of the United States and nations fighting for the control of adamantium and vibranium. Yet, even more strain is put on Mackie to step into the roles left vacant by Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr and Chadwick Boseman to fill the vacuum these actors left behind as they exited the Marvel Universe for various reasons.
As the pressure mounts on his role in the Avengers-influenced world, Captain America has been relegated to doing rescue missions with his faithful sidekick, Joaquin Torres / Falcon (Danny Ramirez). Until they are invited to the White House to witness the multinational treaty that will unite the countries and share the newest resource that will define the future, adamantium. Yet, the ceremony is disrupted by an assassination attempt on President Ross by a small group of unassuming guests within the room seemingly led by the original super soldier, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly). This is the catalyst for a series of events that expose nefarious forces working behind the scenes to undermine Ross’ administration while attempting to eradicate Captain America.
In their attempt to reboot the Marvel Universe, director Julius Onah (The Cloverfield Paradox) and his writing team have tried to weave together details from previously explored elements from past Marvel projects to create a new beginning. Interestingly, they pull from two of the least successful stories from this graphic-novel-inspired chronology, referencing The Incredible Hulk (2008) and Eternals (2021). Relying on audiences to remember the characters and storylines of these films and how they intersect with the Avengers lineage ending with Endgame and that of Falcon & The Winter Soldier. A feat that would prove challenging for the most devoted Marvel fan, much less for those who are merely looking forward to an entertaining superhero excursion. The message of this film gets lost in the narrative woven into this less-than-inspired chapter of the Marvel Universe.
Anthony Mackie becomes a tragic victim of too much expectation on one man to save a franchise. His version of Captain America is a bizarre combination of Steve Rogers, Iron Man, and Black Panther, which is put onto a man who was meant to be a sidekick. The former Falcon does an admirable job of carrying all of these expectations but proves to be less-than-credible in this role as he is overshadowed by other more charismatic characters like The Winter Soldier/Bucky (Sebastian Stan), and even his new crime-fighting partner, Joaquin Torres. Still, the villain is the one issue for all superhero films that moves them from good to great. Without divulging too much, Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) and Red Hulk fail to deliver enough tension to make the destruction that ensues worth the battle. Also, Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph has to be one of the most forgettable and confusing additions, as audiences might wonder if she is the Ant-Man version of Black Widow.
Captain America: Brave New World was overshadowed by the trailers from Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four as they looked to have more to offer audiences than this retread of the Marvel of the past. The world has changed significantly since Iron Man was released in 2008 and the cinematic audience is looking for something new in their superhero while hoping to capture the magic of the past in the process. Unfortunately, Sam Wilson isn’t Steve Rogers and fails to offer anything new for fans yearning for hope to grab onto within this character, except looking forward to the next Marvel films on offer.
REEL DIALOGUE: Wisdom of father figures
Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) is a standout in a film with few charismatic figures. While his figure could be considered tragic, in reality, he is the moral centre in much of the film. His insights are delivered in a manner that men can understand and appreciate with few words and actions. Also, his role represents a life that has been lived, one that has been learned the hard way from lessons that have made him into the man he has become. One thing he did provide was wisdom for his younger mentees.
Wisdom is something all people seek, but many do not always follow. Earthly fathers can be a wealth of knowledge and insights, but they can sometimes be flawed. For those seeking true wisdom in their lives, it can be found in the heart of the Bible. There are actual sections that are known as wisdom literature. Ancient literature has applications in life today. Where to find wisdom in the
Bible: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes
