While Fans Praise Anthony Mackie’s Performance, Many Feel the Film Falls Short on Action & Antagonist Development
February 12, 2025: The first reactions to Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World are in, and they present a mixed picture. While fans appreciate Anthony Mackie’s performance as the new Captain America and the film’s political thriller elements, many feel the action sequences and the main villain’s development leave much to be desired.
The film was screened for the press ahead of its release on February 14, and reactions flooded social media. The movie sees Sam Wilson (Mackie) taking up the mantle of Captain America, but reviews suggest the execution could have been stronger.
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Early Reactions: Cohesive Yet Underwhelming
Several members of the press took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts.
One reviewer noted:
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“#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld both met & exceeded my low expectations. You can feel the reshoots throughout the film & the main villain was a big miss. But this is the most cohesive the MCU has felt since 2019. Sam has good chemistry with his partners & it can deliver the feels.”
#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld both met & exceeded my low expectations.
— Sean Chandler (@kirkneverdied) February 12, 2025
You can feel the reshoots throughout the film & the main villain was a big miss.
But this is the most cohesive the MCU has felt since 2019. Sam has good chemistry w/ his partners & it can deliver the feels. pic.twitter.com/VPUsNxuXeT
Praise for Writing & Direction
Some found the writing and acting solid, emphasizing that Sam Wilson fits well into the Captain America role.
“#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld proves that Sam Wilson can lead a #CaptainAmerica movie. The writing & acting are very strong as a political thriller mixed with superhero elements. While not perfect, it was engaging & entertaining.”
#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld is an enjoyable watch with decent action sequences & some standout moments. However, it didn't quite hit the emotional or narrative highs I was hoping for. Loved Mackie as Cap & I appreciated the more serious tone but it did feel slightly empty. pic.twitter.com/kPJINLnw1G
— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) February 12, 2025
Criticism: Emotional Depth & Action Lacking
Not all reviews were positive, with critics pointing out that the film lacked emotional depth and compelling action sequences.
Film critic Chris Marker wrote:
“#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld is an enjoyable watch with decent action sequences & some standout moments. However, it didn’t quite hit the emotional or narrative highs I was hoping for. Loved Mackie as Cap, but it did feel slightly empty.”
Similarly, Emmanuel Noisette shared:
“Solid action & mild surprises. Red Hulk 👌🏿 Felt like it pulled A LOT of political punches. Hard to tell whether the marketing showed too much or if the movie didn’t have much else to offer. 🤔 It was average.”
Plot & Cast Details
The film follows Sam Wilson, who finds himself in the middle of an international crisis after meeting newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, played by Harrison Ford. Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk, emerges as a dangerous foe for Captain America.
Directed by Julius Onah, Captain America: Brave New World is produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore, with Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serving as executive producers.
Final Thoughts
While Marvel fans are eagerly awaiting the film, early reviews suggest expectations should be tempered. With strong performances but a lackluster antagonist, it remains to be seen how audiences will receive this new chapter in the MCU when it releases on February 14, 2025.
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