'Captain America: Brave New World' film review: Cap sequel that feels more like a Hulk sequel

Sam Wilson takes up into the iconic Avenger's shield to once again save the world in 'Captain America: Brave New World' (in theaters Feb. 14).

In short: Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), the new Captain America, is thrust into an international incident that threatens a treaty brokered by newly-elected U.S. president Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (Harrison Ford). Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly and Giancarlo Esposito also star.

As always, this spoiler-free review will not reveal any of the intended surprises or cameos. As far as end credits scenes, 'Brave New World' only has one post-credits scene that drops after all the credits wrap up - and it hints at the future of what's coming next in the MCU.

'The Winter Soldier' is widely considered one of the very best movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series (some argue it is the very best) - so it's great to see this 35th MCU flick harken back to that sequel. Through at least the first two acts, ‘Brave New World’ is a lean and intense thriller focused on a new Captain America and a new U.S. president trying to find their footing against a threat that imperils the world. Whereas 'Winter Soldier' was Marvel's take on the spy thriller, 'Brave New World' fits better in the political thriller genre. While Sam Wilson is absolutely this flick's superhero, it's pretty fair to call President Ross a secondary protagonist, as many of his actions and motivations directly drive the plot forward.

Ostensibly this is Sam Wilson's first full-on adventure as the new Captain America - but 'Brave New World' is low-key a sequel to 'The Incredible Hulk' ... the second movie in the MCU that directly followed up 'Iron Man' ... way back in 2008. In theory, tying up the loose ends from that Ed Norton 'Hulk' movie seems like a cool idea - but 'Brave New World' caters a bit too much to the hardcore MCU fans while potentially leaving casual moviegoers (ie pretty much all movie goers) a bit confused.

Never mind that there's a new Captain America (after Sam Wilson was handed the shield 13 movies ago in 'Avengers: Endgame' or how conflicted Wilson was with taking on the mantle in his own spin-off Disney+ series 'Falcon and the Winter Soldier'), 'Brave New World' has deep roots in that original 'Hulk' movie released 17 years ago. Literally 33 MCU movies ago. Set aside the fact that 'Brave New World' reaches back to bring back characters who haven't been seen in the MCU since before Barack Obama was elected president, the real dramatic imperative of 'Brave New World' ... is President Ross. Infamous Army general "Thunderbolt" Ross has been a recurring character in the MCU since 'The Incredible Hulk' (first played by William Hurt until he passed away in 2022) - and Ross has often been at odds with the Avengers.

A core theme of 'Brave New World' is based in Ross trying to prove to the world and himself that he is a changed man and that he is a U.S. president genuinely trying to live up to his campaign theme of 'Together.' Harrison Ford is pretty great as the military firebrand trying to redeem himself to his nation and for his family. Ford's character has small moments that allude to his geriatric limitations - but he can still tap into the fury of his days as a wartime general. This sequel finds Ross at a turning point late in his life, where he regrets some of his past actions and laments what it cost him. The problem for 'Brave New World,' is two-fold here: many of his past regrets are merely mentioned in quick exposition and he only tells the audience that he is a changed man. This flick missed the opportunity of truly showing the burden Ross carries or that showing, through actions, that Ross is a sincerely changed man.

Legacy is one of the undercurrents of 'Brave New World' as Sam Wilson and President Ross attempting to define and redefine their respective legacies. 'Brave New World' successfully finds both men conflicted with reconciling how the world perceives them and how they see themselves - internal and external legacies. Just from a comic nerd perspective, the idea of a mere human with a jetpack and shield taking on enhanced beings like the Hulk is ludicrous - but the gripping action sequences prove Wilson is worthy of the Captain America mantle.

If the concept of a political thriller MCU flick seems off-putting, just know 'Brave New World' is a taut thriller with eye-popping action sequences. The fact that the new Captain America is every bit the hand-to-hand combatant as Steve Rogers, but can also keep up with a fighter jet flying at Mach 1 helps Sam Wilson bring his own edge to Cap. Giancarlo Esposito adds a menacing danger to Cap's world as a mercenary terrorist wild card capable of machinations. Danny Ramirez is a fun addition as Cap's sidekick who has also taken up the mantle of Falcon. The fact that 'Brave New World' has two flying superheroes is a bit much, but Ramirez brings a much needed youthful energy and optimism to the weary and cynical world that elected 'Thunderbolt' Ross president.

'Brave New World' features some incredible action sequences that push the limits of Sam Wilson's talents both as the high-flying Falcon and the unyielding Captain America. And the story finds President Ross trying to distance himself from his old General Ross days. And this new flick shares a lot of narrative vibes in common with 'The Winter Soldier.' Yet, the sum of 'Brave New World' is less than its compelling parts.

This fourth Captain America flick clocks in at under 2 hours - yet it feels so much longer. And anytime a movie 'feels long,' that just means the plot has pacing issues. To its credit, 'Brave New World' introduces a sort of global McGuffin that the entire world is prepared to fight for - so at least the global stakes are established almost immediately. But the mystery of who or what is truly orchestrating the plot against Captain America and President Ross is obscured for far too long. Not knowing where the movie is going makes any movie "feel long" because the they're just stuck there, intermittently entertained by awesome set pieces, but ultimately mired in a plot with a vague antagonist whose motivations are equally vague. And after everything is revealed, in retrospect, 'Brave New World' feels like Captain America was just sort of dropped into a President Ross story. Sam Wilson sort of feels like the supporting character in his own film. His actions save the day - but his actions never drive the plot. President Ross's actions affect more of the plot - but the film denies his character much time to explore the depth of his regrets or his internal conflicts.

Score: 3/5

Final verdict: 'Brave New World' is a riveting thriller and fun first adventure for the new Captain America - but one of the shortest MCU flicks could have benefitted from some added character depth, if only to justify or make the climactic third act battle all the most satisfying.

'Captain America: Brave New World' opens in theaters nationwide Feb. 14. The animated adventure has a runtime of 118 minutes and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some strong language.