With 'Captain America: Brave New World' a countdown to a new ...

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Akron Beacon Journal

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With Captain America Brave New World a countdown to a new

Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford star in "Captain America: Brave New World," which opens in theaters this weekend.

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Anthony Mackie says Harrison Ford went all in on his Marvel stunts

Anthony Mackie reveals how Harrison Ford refused stunt doubles and went all in for "Captain America: Brave New World."

It would be easy to assume that Anthony Mackie and “Captain America: Brave New World” would have advantages as it opens this weekend in area theaters.

As it continues Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the fatigue associated with superhero films from the past few years may have subsided as Marvel only released one film in the genre — “Deadpool and Wolverine” — last year. There is also inherent recognition of Mackie’s version of the character.

Yet, circumstances mitigate those advantages. With Mackie’s Cap having to carry the mantle forward on screen and in the MCU, a more cohesive film would be in order.

“Brave New World” isn’t particularly bad, but it just exists. There’s nothing special about it despite the fact Mackie, as Sam Wilson/Captain America, brings the necessary personality, physicality and intellect and shows definite chemistry with co-star Harrison Ford who assumes the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (he was originally played by the late John Hurt), a gruff, no nonsense former Army general who is now president of the United States.

He’s given a sidekick in Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), who displays the necessary charm, and the plot, which features a nemesis from deep in the MCU’s past, piques the interest of MCU fans, but those elements do not always come together.

Wilson has been plying his trade as Captain America after being given the responsibility by Steve Rogers at the end of the last “Avengers” film. But with the name and iconic shield come much responsibility and he receives more when Ross calls upon him to reassemble the Avengers, after having previously wanted them monitored while he was defense secretary.

Before providing the president with a definitive answer, Wilson and Torres must deal with an assassination attempt on the president’s life—an attack that comes at the worst possible time, as the United States and other nations are on the brink of signing a crucial treaty involving a rare resource.

It doesn’t help that the assassination attempt involves Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), a test subject for the super soldier serum that gave Steve Rogers his powers.

Wilson peels away the layers of a vast conspiracy that leads to Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), recognizable to Marvel fans from 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk.”

The reality of “Brave New World” is that it’s a setup film, which is a thankless task. It’s meant to build to the reassembly of the Avengers and the subsequent release of “Avengers: Doomsday” in 2026. In the interim, Marvel Studios will release films and series setting up their return.

Had that aspect of “Captain America” not been front and center, director Julius Onah and screenwriters Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson could’ve explored in greater depth what worked best — the conflict within Wilson.

He knows whose shoes he’s trying to fill and he questions his ability to do so. When Mackie is allowed to deal with those thoughts on screen, he is at his best. While most will appreciate the action, Mackie’s ability to bring those feelings to the forefront is the strength of “Captain America: Brave New World.”