Marvel tries to ignite another fan favorite franchise, but this one is destined for limited success. Anthony Mackie has the chops, charisma and is certainly bulked up enough, and he’s the first Black superhero in the franchise total the lead. But Julius Onah (Luce) seems to pull him back to underplay the role, despite the onslaught of over-the-top, special effects battles, which are less than stellar. One example is when Captain America goes flying through the air using his Vibranium wings to cut through a fighter jet wing. That scene just looks like bad cartoon animation.
Marvel keeps making stories that assume everyone in the audience has seen and remembers minute details from some of its 35 previous films. In this case, the script relies heavily on Avengers: Endgame and the low rated Eternals. Is it possible that this could follow other MCU duds like Ant-Man and the Wasp, Quantumania, and The Marvels? The writing also takes its toll. That often happens when there are too many writers in the mix. This time out, there were five. And when the film was first tested, the budget took a hit when production was sent back for 22 days of reshoots.
Sam Wilson, who was the second banana aka The Falcon, to Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) Captain America has to deal with the inevitable comparisons to his former iteration. And they’re not always complimentary, especially from President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford).
Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), an enhanced man with immense strength, trains Sam and Joaquin to use their powers. When the three are invited to the White House, Bradley inexplicably opens fire on the President. Sam’s mission is to clear his friend by finding out who is controlling his mind and, of course, save the world.
Even in his 80’s, Ford surprises playing a tough, grueling role blooming into a huge action figure. He is one of the film’s best constructed characters and continues to be one of the most watchable actors on screen. Ford plays the historically hot-headed “America First” General, now President, but trying to transform himself into a peacemaker. His most fervent wish is to reconcile with his daughter (Liv Tyler) who was involved with Dr. Bruce Banner (The Hulk). Tyler is in the movie for just a matter of seconds, but fills the bill for her father, the President’s emotional motivation.
The best action scene and highlight of the film is seeing President Ross transform into the Red (looks very orange) Hulk with temper to burn, but almost comically looking like a retro effect from the 1970’s. There were some reports that Harrison as President could appear too close to current events. There were also reports that he was very difficult to work with on set.
One of the more interesting characters is Ruth Bat-Seraph, known as Sabra, played by Israeli actress Shira Haas. She seems like a suspicious tough cookie security agent, trying to manage everybody, but provides a bit of a surprise twist herself.
Mastermind villain, Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) will make you want to say “ewwwww” out loud when you see his ugly oozing skin and bare exposed brain. The effect is atrocious and we think his look could have been so much more innovative. You always see him in dim light, which obscures the detail. His teeth are ugly enough, but his look reminded us more of a Rocky Horror Picture Show vibe. Sterns looked more disgusting than scary. Blake Nelson is a great actor, who could have been developed more in this one. Giancarlo Esposito as the Sidewinder throwing all those knives ought to make for a great villain, but not here.
The MCU rises and falls on the ultimate evil of their villains, but Julius Ona didn’t make them bad enough here. We’re still wondering if they muddied the waters letting us guess whether Thaddeus Ross is good or bad. Through an flat, uninspired post clip, Marvel is promising yet another Captain America. But remember, Eternals was scrapped after the first one flopped. Anthony Mackie fights hard with his vibranium wings, but the Marvel magic didn’t take flight for this one. Marvel and Disney are still looking for that Brave New World. Maybe in the next one, it will magically appear.
Marvel Studios 1 Hour 58 Minutes PG-13
