“You’re not Steve Rogers” – that is what Thaddeus Ross, President of the United States, tells the new Captain America (Anthony Mackie), and that, in many ways is the theme of this latest addition to the Marvel Universe. We all, fictional characters and audience members alike, need to figure out this new configuration and how we feel about it. For those of us, like myself, who loved the Steve Rogers character, the transition is not easy. Yes, we knew him as the Falcon, but now he’s the title character – and it makes a difference. As the new Captain America, Mackie faces a huge challenge, as Steve Rogers’ origin story is one of the best films in the Marvel Universe, with a tight, compelling, narrative and an incredibly likeable hero. Not every Marvel film can attain the impact of Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), nor do I expect it to. Yet Sam Wilson imbues Captain America with a different quality. Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson is not serum-enhanced, he’s a mere human, relying on his determination, endurance, and technology (vibranium wings and shield). As he does battle with the bad guys in one of the film’s early scenes, his opponent comments “I heard your rib go.” Mackie, as Wilson, expresses the human vulnerability of Captain America, bringing a different kind of suspense to the fight scenes, and an interesting philosophical twist to the superhero series.
Harrison Ford is terrific as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. Newly elected as U.S. President, Ross seems eager to mend past rifts, both political and personal. He appears sincere in his conversation with Captain America and invites the viewer’s empathy in his grief over his wife, and regrets over his estrangement with daughter Betty (Liv Tyler). However, he’s also a politician. In the spirit of new beginnings, Captain America wants his friend and former super soldier Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbley), who was imprisoned by the government and experimented on for 30 years, to come with him to the White House. Isaiah, as one might imagine, is rather skeptical, telling Sam, “Answering to Ross doesn’t sit right with me.” As it turns out, Isaiah was right, and events at the White House go horribly wrong. And when mayhem erupts, President Ross scrambles for control.
Captain America is charged with finding out who’s responsible, and at his side is the new Falcon, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez). The Falcon’s youthful enthusiasm is the perfect contrast to Wilson’s thoughtful depth. Shira Haas is another welcome newcomer to this universe, as Ruth Bat-Seraph, the President’s Head of Security. Cool and tough in her portrayal of Bat-Seraph, Haas radiates a fierce confidence, she’s someone you want as your friend, not your enemy.
I am of two minds about this film. In general, I found the plot to be intricate in a way that was somewhat frustrating and distracting as I watched and tried to put the pieces together. There was also some foreshadowing – right from the start – hinting at a problem, that I felt was a bit heavy handed. But then, the film delivers a powerful climax, visceral in its impact, that also reverberates with the issues raised through different characters evoking both human frailty and strength.
Captain America: Brave New World
Director: Julius Onah; Screenplay: Rob Edwards, Macolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, Julius Onah, Petr Glanz; Cinematography: Kramer Morgenthau; Editors: Matthew Schmidt, Madeleine Gavin; Music: Laura Karpman; Cast: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbley, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, Xosha Roquemore, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson
