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Is Captain America: Brave New World in trouble? The first reviews for Anthony Mackie’s return to the MCU suggest reception may not be as clear cut as expected.
There’s been a lot of worry in recent months over Captain America: Brave New World. While the drama stems back to the film’s initial announcement as Captain America: New World Order, almost every piece of news since then has had fans convinced Anthony Mackie’s first outing as the Sentinel of Liberty will be the MCU’s next flop. From reshoots, to poor test screenings, and even the inclusion of some controversial heroes.
Some initial reviews certainly seem to prove that these fears were warranted. A number of critics who got to see early screenings of Captain America: Brave New World empty, with the only bright spots being provided by Anthony Mackie’s performance as the titular hero. The film has also been criticized by serving more as a vehicle to push the MCU’s story forward than a standalone story about Sam Wilson’s journey as Captain America.
#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
CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD seems to only exist to wrap up loose ends to The Incredible Hulk and Eternals. And in doing so the plot is about as convoluted and dull as that all sounds. This should have been called Captain America: Loose Ends #CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) February 12, 2025
#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 w/ his partners & it can deliver the feels. pic.twitter.com/VPUsNxuXeT
— Sean Chandler (@kirkneverdied) February 12, 2025
#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld brings back the good political thriller in the MCU. It doesn’t soar as high as their best, but Mackie earns the title as he gives us someone to aspire to. Harrison Ford brings emotional depth to Ross/Red Hulk! Editing feels choppy, reworked, & rushed. pic.twitter.com/lEA7bIMaVI
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) February 12, 2025
Is Captain America: Brave New World All Bad?
However, there is another side of the coin to these early reviews. While many critics have large issues with Captain America: Brave New World, just as many consider the project a return to form for the MCU. While Anthony Mackie continues to be a standout in the film, the action takes front-and-center prominence in these reviews, along with highlighting the cohesion of the film with many of the studios’ past projects.
I only saw 30 minutes of #CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld so here are some thoughts:
Absolute blast. All-in on the story. It just checked so many boxes for me.
Felt like an MCU movie where other projects actually matter again. Lots of cohesion.
Mackie rocks, Ford is great. pic.twitter.com/pl6828092T
— Herb Scribner (@HerbScribner) February 12, 2025
#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld was grounded, entertaining, and to the point. 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… pic.twitter.com/EYD354D5E3
— Emmanuel (E-Man) Noisette (@EmansReviews) February 12, 2025
#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld is a cinematic gem! It’s an intense thrilling ride from start to finish. It’s a mix of Winter Soldier and The Dark Knight. The film keeps you edging for more until it culminates in the best final act in recent years. Old Marvel is back on the menu! pic.twitter.com/Z8CgucSzrU
— Wong Updates (@WongUpdates) February 12, 2025
#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld is flat out good.
It feels like an MCU return to form, progressing the overall story with a thrilling tale of its own. It’s pretty nonstop!
The villain feels a bit secondary. Solid action.
Harrison Ford is ALL IN. Mackie really claims the mantle. pic.twitter.com/BZtJ0XdkPY
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) February 12, 2025
While there’s no accounting for taste with these reviews, it seems Captain America: Brave New World is shaping up to be a rather inoffensive movie with good action that fails to reach the heights of prior installments in the series. The only consistent note is that Anthony Mackie gives his all with the film, proving himself as one of the best leading men in the industry.
Captain America: Brave New World is currently slated to hit theaters on February 14, 2025. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!
