Movie Review: Captain America: Brave New World – Great Action, But Five Years Too Late?

Valentine’s Day this year was a little different for me. Instead of the usual fancy dinner or staying in with takeout, my boyfriend and I decided to go see Captain America: Brave New World for our date night. Nothing says romance like superheroes, explosions, and government conspiracies, right? Walking into the theater, I wasn’t sure what to expect—Marvel has been hit-or-miss lately—but by the time the credits rolled, I knew one thing for sure: the action was top-tier, but man, this movie feels a bit tardy to the party.

The Plot: Captain America Steps Up

The story follows Sam Wilson as he juggles being the new Captain America while dealing with a world that isn’t exactly eager to accept him in the role. Meanwhile, President Thaddeus Ross (played by Harrison Ford—yes, that Harrison Ford) has his own agenda and enlists Cap’s help to bring the Avengers back together. Of course, things aren’t that simple, and what follows is a mix of political intrigue, high-stakes action, and the classic Marvel formula of serious moments sprinkled with humor.

The Action Scenes: Top-Tier Marvel Mayhem

If there’s one thing this movie does really well, it’s the action. The fight choreography feels fresh, balancing Sam’s Falcon-style aerial moves with the classic shield-slinging action we expect from a Captain America movie. There are some intense hand-to-hand fights, big set pieces, and well-done stunts that remind us why Marvel movies still know how to bring the spectacle. It’s definitely one of the highlights.

The Characters: A Solid Cast

Anthony Mackie absolutely owns the Captain America mantle, bringing his signature charisma while showing Sam’s struggle with leadership. Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) steps up as the new Falcon, adding some fun sidekick energy, and Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph brings a new dynamic to the team. But one of the biggest surprises? Harrison Ford as President Ross. Seeing him step into the MCU with his gruff, no-nonsense attitude is pretty entertaining.

But Here’s the Thing… It Feels Late

While I enjoyed the movie, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it came out five years too late. A film about Sam Wilson proving himself as Captain America and dealing with political tensions would have hit way harder back when The Falcon and the Winter Soldier first aired. The world (and the MCU) has changed a lot since then, and some of the themes just don’t have the same weight they would have a few years ago.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Captain America: Brave New World is a solid Marvel entry. It’s got great action, a strong cast, and feels like a return to the political thriller vibes that made The Winter Soldier one of the best in the franchise. But it also feels like it missed its perfect release window. If you’re a fan of Captain America movies or just looking for a good action flick, it’s definitely worth a watch—just don’t expect it to revolutionize the MCU.

Rating: 7.5/10 – Fun, action-packed, but a little late to the party.