A Missed Opportunity: "Captain America: Brave New World" Fails to Soar

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has long been a powerhouse of entertainment, delivering 35 films that have captivated audiences worldwide. Yet, with Captain America: Brave New World, the latest installment, it feels like the universe is running on fumes. The film had the potential to explore fresh ground, particularly with the introduction of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as the new Captain America, a Black man taking on the iconic mantle. The trailers hinted at a thought-provoking thriller, pitting this new hero against a militaristic President Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (Harrison Ford). On paper, this sounds compelling. But in execution, the film falls flat, relying on tired tropes and unresolved plot threads from nearly two decades ago. Instead of breaking new ground, Brave New World feels like a messy, uninspired attempt to tidy up the MCU’s loose ends.

A Story Without a Spark: Overused Tropes and Missed Potential

One of the biggest issues with Brave New World is its storyline, which feels recycled and unoriginal. Much of what the film attempts to explore—Sam Wilson’s struggles as the new Captain America—was already addressed in the 2021 Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. That series, while flawed, delved into the complexities of Wilson’s journey, including his encounters with Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), a Black super-soldier who was tragically exploited by the government. Bradley’s character, in particular, offered a rich opportunity to explore themes of race, power, and identity. Yet, in Brave New World, these themes are barely touched upon. Instead, the film reduces Wilson’s internal conflict to a simple case of imposter syndrome, a narrative choice that feels overly simplistic and wasteful.

The film’s failure to engage with its latent politics is equally disappointing. The inclusion of President Ross, a character with a questionable past, could have led to a nuanced exploration of patriotism, power, and morality. Yet, Ross’s role in the film is more about resolving his personal regrets—particularly his estrangement from his daughter, Betty (Liv Tyler)—than about confronting the larger ethical dilemmas of his actions. This makes his character feel more like a prop than a fully realized person, and it squanders the potential for meaningful commentary on the intersection of politics and heroism.

Harrison Ford’s Star Power Isn’t Enough to Save the Day

In an effort to bolster the film’s appeal, Brave New World brings in Harrison Ford as President Ross, a character previously played by William Hurt. Ford’s presence is undeniably magnetic, and at 82, he still delivers his lines with energy and charm. However, his role in the film is problematic. For one, it feels like a transparent attempt to draw in audiences with a big name, rather than a thoughtful addition to the story. Additionally, Ross’s character arc is overshadowed by convoluted exposition about adamantium and gamma radiation, which feels like a chore for both the actor and the audience.

The dynamic between Ross and Wilson is also underdeveloped. The two characters have a history that dates back to Captain America: Civil War, but that backstory is barely explored here. Instead, their relationship feels like a series of awkward encounters, lacking the depth or tension that could have made it compelling. The film’s reliance on Ford’s star power only highlights its inability to craft a compelling narrative on its own merits.

Dredging Up the Past: When Nostalgia Goes Too Far

Another major misstep in Brave New World is its over-reliance on MCU lore from years ago. The film dredges up characters and plotlines from The Incredible Hulk (2008) and Eternals (2021), assuming that audiences will be familiar with (and invested in) these relatively forgotten corners of the universe. For example, the return of Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), a minor character from The Incredible Hulk, feels like a stretch. His role in the film is significant, but it’s hard to care about his storyline when it feels like a relic from a bygone era.

This approach alienates casual viewers and even some die-hard fans who may not have revisited these older films. The MCU’s ability to weave together multi-movie sagas has always been one of its strengths, but in this case, it feels like a chore. The film’s decision to lean so heavily on nostalgia for The Incredible Hulk and Eternals is a gamble that doesn’t pay off. It’s a reminder that not all callbacks are created equal, and some stories are better left in the past.

A Marketing Misstep: When Trailers Reveal Too Much

The trailers for Brave New World promised a bold, exciting film, but they also gave away one of the movie’s biggest reveals: President Ross’s transformation into the Red Hulk. This decision feels desperate, like an attempt to entice viewers with the promise of something wild and unpredictable. Unfortunately, the actual film doesn’t live up to the hype. The Red Hulk’s appearance is saved for the final act, and even then, it feels like a hollow spectacle rather than a meaningful plot twist.

The over-reliance on marketing gimmicks is a sign of a larger problem: the MCU’s recent inability to deliver on its promises. Films like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Deadpool & Wolverine have been criticized for their lackluster storytelling, and Brave New World doesn’t do much to reverse this trend. The film’s inability to surprise or engage leaves audiences feeling underwhelmed, even when it tries to throw in big, flashy moments.

The Verdict: A Universe in Need of a Reboot

Captain America: Brave New World is a disappointing entry in the MCU, one that fails to capitalize on its potential. Instead of exploring fresh themes or taking risks, the film relies on tired tropes and nostalgia for older, lesser-known movies. The result is a story that feels disjointed and uninspired, with characters that are barely given the chance to shine. Even with Harrison Ford’s charisma and the promise of big action sequences, the film struggles to hold together.

The MCU is at a crossroads. With 35 films under its belt, it’s clear that the franchise is struggling to maintain its momentum. Brave New World is a stark reminder that even the biggest names and most elaborate set pieces aren’t enough to carry a film without a strong story. To reclaim its former glory, the MCU will need to take a step back and rethink its approach. A total storytelling reboot might be the only way forward for this sprawling, increasingly listless cinematic universe. Until then, fans will be left wondering what could have been.