By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is in capable hands with
Anthony Mackie ("Elevation"), now officially taking up the iconic shield as Captain America in
"Captain America: Brave New World."
Directed and co-written by
Julius Onah ("Luce"), this dramatic new chapter in the MCU sees Mackie stepping into the role with confidence and style, succeeding Chris Evans' Steve Rogers.
Written by Malcolm Spellman (TV's "Bel-Air"), Dalan Musson (TV's "Falcon and the Winter Soldier"), and Peter Glanz ("Savage House"), the film continues the story from the "Falcon and the Winter Soldier" TV series and marks the 35th film in the ever-expanding MCU.
In the movie, Sam Wilson (Mackie) has joined forces with Air Force Lieutenant Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez, "Winner"), who is now Captain America's new right-hand guy, Falcon. Joaquin has a lot to learn but is eager to do so especially after meeting Sam's close friend and mentor, super soldier Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly, "The Life of Chuck") who was jailed for 30 years and used for experimental purposes. He carries deep scars from his years in captivity and experimentation.
Sam is working with Thaddeus E. "Thunderbolt" Ross (Harrison Ford, TV's "1923"), the newly elected president of the United States. Ford is excellent as the no-nonsense president, adding gravitas to the film's political undertones. Although Sam is apprehensive about the President, he is willing to be a patriot and do what is best.
However, things take a dramatic turn during a White House visit, when Isaiah attempts to assassinate President Ross after a series of intense outbursts linked to mysterious musical sound waves. The plot becomes more complicated with the introduction of Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson, "Greedy People"), a nefarious biologist-turned-villain known as the Leader. His actions set in motion a series of events that threaten global security.
The movie also introduces additional threats, such as Giancarlo Esposito's (TV's "The Boys") character Seth Voelker/Sidewinder, the leader of the Serpent Society, and Ruth Bat-Seraph (Shira Haas, TV's "Night Therapy"), a former Israeli Black Widow and high-ranking U.S. government official Black Widow with a hidden agenda.
The film's stakes center on world domination, with the U.S. caught in a geopolitical crisis involving Adamantium, a rare and indestructible commodity. While some of the subplots feel overstuffed, occasionally bogging down the pacing, "Captain America: Brave New World" delivers a solid action-packed adventure with thrilling aerial sequences and an unexpected "Hulking" figure.
The best part for fans? There's more to come. If you stick around through the credits, you'll catch a teaser for future conflicts, with Samuel Sterns (Nelson) hinting at more battles ahead.
With Mackie leading the charge, it's clear Avengers will be needed again soon, and I, for one, can't wait to see what they will have in store for the next chapter.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
