The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has had its share of highs and lows, but "Captain America: Brave New World" seems to have hit a particularly rough patch. Despite the anticipation surrounding Anthony Mackie's debut as Captain America in a solo film, critics have been largely unimpressed.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 48% approval rating based on 320 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10. The consensus reads: "Anthony Mackie capably takes up Cap's mantle and shield, but Brave New World is too routine and overstuffed with uninteresting easter eggs to feel like a worthy standalone adventure for this new Avengers leader." Metacritic reports a score of 42 out of 100, indicating "mixed or average" reviews. Audience reactions haven't been stellar either; CinemaScore audiences gave it a "B–," the lowest for an MCU film, and PostTrak reported an average rating of three out of five stars.
Political Undertones: Missed Opportunities
The film attempts to weave political themes into its narrative, but many critics feel it falls short. The Hollywood Reporter noted that a scene where President Thaddeus Ross transforms into Red Hulk and wreaks havoc in Washington, D.C., seemed like a fantasy of former President Donald Trump. IndieWire echoed this sentiment, drawing parallels between Ross and Trump's "Make America Great Again" rhetoric. However, The Independent argued that while Ross could be seen as a Trump-like figure, the film ultimately avoids taking a clear political stance, leaving these subplots underdeveloped.
Character Development: Lacking Depth
Critics have also pointed out issues with character development. Screen Rant suggested that Sam Wilson's switch from a white to a blue suit seemed more like a marketing move than a meaningful character progression. Vulture described the film as a "giant slop machine," criticizing its insincere attempts at depth and lackluster humor. TheWrap labeled the film unoriginal and emotionally shallow, with moments that briefly rehash "Falcon and the Winter Soldier" without impact. RogerEbert.com went further, suggesting that Wilson's character was reduced to a trope, aiming to soothe white America's discomfort without addressing deeper issues.
Visual Effects: A Mixed Reaction
The film's visual effects have received mixed reviews. The New York Post criticized the White House fight scene for its "cheap and cheesy" animation, making it hard to take seriously. Collider stated that the CGI was worse than that in 2008's "The Incredible Hulk," finding it unconvincing. Vulture's reviewer admitted to nearly falling asleep during the lifeless VFX-heavy sequences. However, some critics, like those at RogerEbert.com and Screen Rant, praised the visual effects used for Red Hulk, though Screen Rant noted that other scenes, like the cherry blossoms, were marred by poor green screen work.
Box Office Performance: Underwhelming
Financially, the film has struggled to meet expectations. As of March 9, 2025, it grossed $176.6 million in the United States and Canada, and $194.2 million in other territories, totaling $370.8 million worldwide. With a reported production budget of $180 million and additional marketing costs, experts estimate the film needs to earn $425 million worldwide to break even. Its second weekend saw a 68% drop in revenue, one of the worst declines for an MCU film.
Is It Worth Watching?
"Captain America: Brave New World" was poised to usher in a new era for the iconic hero but has instead highlighted some of the MCU's recent struggles. With criticisms targeting its political ambiguity, shallow character arcs, and inconsistent visual effects, the film serves as a reminder that even a powerhouse like Marvel can falter. As the MCU moves forward, it may need to reassess its storytelling strategies to recapture the magic that once captivated audiences worldwide.