It’s been, arguably, just under a year and a half since Marvel last released a film in theatres—a surprising lull for a studio once known for churning out multiple blockbusters annually. (Are we even counting ‘Deadpool v Wolverine‘ as a full-fledged MCU instalment, given its distinct tone and origins in Fox’s X-Men universe? We’re not sure)

The last proper Marvel Cinematic Universe entry, ‘The Marvels,‘ debuted in November 2023, but its reception was lukewarm at best. Critics and audiences found it to be an underwhelming effort, plagued by franchise fatigue, lacklustre storytelling, and a sense that the once-mighty MCU was struggling to recapture its former magic. With ‘Brave New World,’ Marvel hopes to re-establish its footing. Does Marvel achieve this? The round up of reviews certainly doesn’t think so. See below.

1. The Guardian: describes the film as “uninspiring superhero filler,” marred by excessive exposition, naive geopolitical themes, and a lacklustre visual aesthetic. Despite the progressive casting of a Black Captain America, the movie struggles to deliver a compelling or visually appealing experience.
2. Empire: Presents a generally positive assessment of the film. The review acknowledges that while the movie doesn’t quite reach the heights of “The Winter Soldier,” it remains “pacy and punchy,” offering a “promising first official outing” for Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the new Captain America.
3. The Independent: Critiques the film for its reliance on references to previous Marvel movies that were not well-received, such as “Eternals” and “The Incredible Hulk.” As the 35th instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the film is seen as indicative of a franchise that has “lost its way” in recent years. The review suggests that, based on the content of this movie, a creative resurgence for the series seems unlikely in the near future.
4. Cosmic Book News: Offers a generally positive review of “Captain America: Brave New World,” describing it as an enjoyable superhero film with engaging action sequences. The reviewer notes that while initial expectations were modest, the movie delivers as a “fun superhero flick with cool action,” making it a solid choice for casual viewing. However, the review also points out that the film’s early scenes are somewhat heavy-handed in establishing Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, with characters repeatedly referring to him as “Captain America” or “Cap.”

The Guardian – 2 out of 5 Stars

Empire – 3 out of 5 Stars

The Independent – 2 out of 5 Stars

Cosmic Book News – 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Captain America: A Brave New World is out now in Cinemas.