We’re 35 movies into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Every single one doesn’t need to be the most epic or cameo-filled film ever made. Just give me a good story, with interesting characters and plot developments, some solid action and memorable moments. In that regard, “Captain America: Brave New World” delivers. It’s not spectacular — or as good as Chris Evans’ Cap trilogy — but is, thankfully, one of the least arrogant, most tolerable and most pleasant MCU movies in quite a while.
Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson is asked by newly elected President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) to help him restart The Avengers. (This is one of the building blocks for what’s coming from Marvel over the next few years, including this summer’s “Thunderbolts*” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”.) Wilson also learns from Ross that America is one of several countries after the precious adamantium. But soon the stakes are raised even higher when Ross is nearly killed and, eventually, he’s going to be unleashing some anger.
“Luce” director Julius Onah’s mostly grounded political thriller covers a lot of story while also not being especially deep. The momentum drags a little in the middle, and the ‘music mind control’ aspect is just plain silly. But Mackie and Ford deliver great performances, the action scenes are confident, and the two main special appearances are satisfying. If a certain ferocious ‘surprise’ wasn’t revealed in the marketing, the impact probably would’ve been even stronger.
LCJ GRADE: B-
Running Time: 118 min.