Captain America: The New World Order — An Honest Reaction

On February 12th, *Captain America: The New World Order* premiered to a wave of mixed reviews. While some critics lauded the film's impressive action sequences, strong performances, and the visually stunning Red Hulk, others found its storytelling shallow and lacking depth. This review delves into the film's strengths and weaknesses, offering a balanced perspective on this ambitious, yet flawed, MCU entry.

A New Era for Captain America

Following Steve Rogers' passing of the shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in *Avengers: Endgame*, the question of Bucky Barnes' potential claim to the mantle sparked considerable debate. Marvel cleverly addressed this by showcasing the close friendship between Sam and Bucky in *The Falcon and The Winter Soldier*, gradually illustrating Sam's acceptance of his new role. Initially grappling with self-doubt, Sam ultimately embraces his identity as Captain America, overcoming the challenges of representing a nation that doesn't always reflect his values.

*The New World Order* attempts to blend elements from the Steve Rogers trilogy—wartime adventures, espionage, and global intrigue. Introducing Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) as Sam's new partner, the film incorporates familiar CGI elements and opens with a classic Marvel action sequence. While Sam Wilson differs significantly from Steve Rogers, the film strives to mold him into a similar archetype. His dialogue often mirrors Rogers', and his demeanor is generally serious, punctuated by moments of levity during aerial combat and interactions with friends. Though some critics noted a lack of humor, the film balances lighthearted moments with clever lines in tense situations, a more nuanced approach than the over-the-top comedy seen in other Marvel films.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Action Sequences: The film delivers thrilling fight scenes, particularly those featuring the visually spectacular Red Hulk.
• Performances: Anthony Mackie brings charm and physical prowess to the role of Sam Wilson, while Harrison Ford shines as Secretary Ross, adding depth and complexity.
• Supporting Cast: Danny Ramirez impresses as Joaquin Torres, bringing energy and dynamism to the team dynamic. The main antagonist will resonate with long-time Marvel fans.

Weaknesses:

• Script Issues: The screenplay suffers from superficial writing, abrupt character developments, and inconsistencies in Sam's abilities, especially against the Red Hulk.
• Predictable Plot: Despite a promising setup, the narrative becomes predictable, relying heavily on familiar tropes from previous Captain America films.
• Underdeveloped Characters: Sam Wilson feels less developed than Steve Rogers, and the villain is somewhat forgettable.

Plot Summary (Without Spoilers)

Set in a world recovering from the events of *Eternals*, *The New World Order* features Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) as President of the United States. The colossal, adamantium-covered corpse of Tiamut poses both a threat and a resource opportunity. Ross enlists Sam Wilson to assemble a new Avengers team to secure these resources. However, an assassination attempt reveals a sinister plot orchestrated by a mysterious villain. The film follows a globe-trotting adventure filled with espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes action.

Despite its intriguing premise, the film falters due to questionable scripting choices. Key moments feel contrived, including Sam's sudden costume changes and unexplained skill enhancements. The final confrontation with the Red Hulk raises questions about the plausibility of a mortal against such a powerful opponent.

Conclusion

While *Captain America: The New World Order* has its flaws, it remains a watchable spy-action film for casual viewers. Enjoyable cinematography, intriguing plot twists, and strong performances compensate for the weaker script. For viewers with moderate expectations, it offers a satisfying experience. A post-credits scene hints at future Marvel developments, leaving fans anticipating what's to come.

Whether Sam Wilson ultimately becomes a worthy successor to Steve Rogers remains to be seen. For now, *The New World Order* serves as a decent, albeit imperfect, addition to the MCU.

Positive Aspects

Many praised the action, 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. Some appreciated the humor between Mackie and Ramirez.

Negative Aspects

Common criticisms included the weak, superficial script, predictable plot, and underdeveloped characters. Sam Wilson felt one-dimensional compared to Steve Rogers, and the villain was forgettable. The pacing was also criticized as uneven. While visually impressive, the film lacked a compelling narrative.