Marvel has been struggling lately. With some recent movies failing to impress fans and critics, Captain America: Brave New World had a lot to prove. It needed to show that the MCU can still tell great stories while introducing a new Captain America.

Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, is now officially Captain America. That alone makes this movie important. Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam has no superpowers–just his skills, his wings, and his determination. Mackie does a great job showing the weight of this responsibility, and the movie briefly explores the complex themes of legacy and whether the world would accept him as the new Captain America. The acting performances from the cast are amazing; Harrison Ford especially puts his all into portraying Thunderbolt Ross.

The action scenes are exciting, and Sam’s fighting style–with his wings and shield–adds a unique touch. However, unlike the intense feel of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the movie leans more on CGI. This sometimes has the effect of undermining the tension in the fight scenes.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its pacing–unlike some recent MCU additions, it doesn’t feel overpacked. It moves at a steady speed, keeping the audience engaged without dragging on the story. Elise Doty (11) shares, “I don’t think there was any moment where I was bored and wishing that the plot moved on.” But at the same time, it doesn’t take many risks. There are few truly memorable set pieces or standout moments that will be talked about for years to come.

Despite a few shortcomings, Brave New World does feel like a step in the right direction for Marvel. After a series of MCU disappointments, this film proves that the MCU can still tell compelling stories when it focuses on strong characters and grounded stakes. It may not reach the heights of The Winter Soldier, but it doesn’t fall into the low category of Thor: Love and Thunder or Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Talia Chavez (9) comments, “This movie was definitely an improvement from recent Marvel films.”  The film also plants seeds for the future, particularly with the introduction of adamantium–a clear hint at the arrival of the X-Men.

Captain America: Brave New World is an entertaining but somewhat safe entry in the MCU. It successfully establishes Sam Wilson as Captain America, delivers solid action, and teases exciting new things to come. Overall, this movie was the comeback Marvel needed; it proves they can still craft engaging superhero films.