On February 12th, *Captain America: The New World Order* premiered to a wave of mixed critical reviews. While some lauded the action sequences, strong performances, and the impressive visual spectacle of the Red Hulk, others criticized the film's shallow storytelling. This in-depth review explores both the film's strengths and weaknesses.
Table of Contents
- A New Era for Captain America
- Key Strengths and Weaknesses
- Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
- Conclusion
- Positive Aspects
- Negative Aspects
A New Era for Captain America
Following Steve Rogers' passing of the shield in Avengers: Endgame, Sam Wilson's (Anthony Mackie) ascension as Captain America sparked considerable debate among fans. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier addressed this, showcasing Sam's journey from self-doubt to embracing his new role, a journey that reflects the complexities of representing a nation that doesn't always represent him. The New World Order blends elements from the Steve Rogers trilogy – wartime adventures, espionage, and global intrigue – introducing Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) as Sam's partner, while retaining some familiar CGI shortcomings and opening with a classic Marvel action sequence. While the film attempts to mold Sam into a similar figure to Steve Rogers, mirroring his dialogue and demeanor (except during aerial combat and humorous interactions), the film balances this with moments of levity and clever lines in tense situations, avoiding the over-the-top humor of other Marvel films.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Action Sequences: The film delivers thrilling fight scenes, particularly those involving the visually stunning Red Hulk.
- Performances: Anthony Mackie brings charm and physicality to the role of Sam Wilson, while Harrison Ford shines as Secretary Ross, adding depth and nuance.
- Supporting Cast: Danny Ramirez impresses as Joaquin Torres, bringing energy and dynamism to the team. The main antagonist will resonate with long-time Marvel fans.
Weaknesses:
- Script Issues: The screenplay suffers from superficial writing, abrupt character development, and inconsistencies in Sam's abilities against the Red Hulk.
- Predictable Plot: The narrative, while initially promising, becomes predictable, relying on familiar tropes from previous Captain America films.
- Underdeveloped Characters: Sam Wilson feels less developed than Steve Rogers, and the villain is easily forgettable.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Set after the events of Eternals, with Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) as President of the United States and the colossal remains of Tiamut posing a significant challenge, Sam Wilson is tasked with assembling a new Avengers team to secure valuable resources from the adamantium-covered corpse. An assassination attempt on the President reveals a larger conspiracy, leading to a globe-trotting adventure filled with espionage and high-stakes action. Despite its intriguing premise, the film falters due to questionable scripting choices, including forced moments and illogical power scaling in the climactic battle.
Conclusion
Captain America: The New World Order, while flawed, offers a solid spy-action film for casual viewers. Enjoyable cinematography, intriguing plot twists, and strong performances compensate for the weaker script. For those who manage expectations, it’s a satisfying watch. A post-credits scene hints at future Marvel developments, leaving fans intrigued. Whether Sam Wilson successfully becomes Steve Rogers' successor remains to be seen, but The New World Order serves as a decent, if imperfect, addition to the MCU.
Positive Aspects
Critics praised the action sequences, particularly the Red Hulk battle. Anthony Mackie's performance was lauded, as was Harrison Ford's nuanced portrayal of Secretary Ross. The Red Hulk's CGI was also highlighted, along with the humorous dynamic between Mackie and Ramirez.
Negative Aspects
The film's weak, superficial script, predictable plot, underdeveloped characters (especially Sam Wilson), and forgettable villain were major criticisms. The pacing was also deemed uneven. While visually impressive, the film lacked a compelling narrative.
