On February 12th, *Captain America: The New World Order* premiered to a wave of critical reviews, painting a mixed picture of the film's success. While many lauded the action sequences, strong performances, and the impressive visual spectacle of the Red Hulk, others criticized the film's shallow storytelling and underdeveloped plot.
This in-depth review delves into the film's strengths and weaknesses, exploring why it's a simultaneously ambitious and flawed addition to the MCU.
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 to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Avengers: Endgame, the film directly addresses the fan debate surrounding Bucky Barnes' potential claim to the mantle. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier laid the groundwork, showcasing Sam's journey from self-doubt to embracing his role as the new Captain America. This film builds upon that foundation, exploring Sam's struggles with representing a nation that doesn't always represent him.
The New World Order attempts to blend elements from the Steve Rogers trilogy – wartime adventures, espionage, and global intrigue. It introduces Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) as Sam's new partner, features familiar, albeit sometimes underwhelming, CGI, and opens with a classic Marvel action-packed sequence. The film strives to mold Sam Wilson into a similar mold as Steve Rogers, mirroring his dialogue and demeanor, though with moments of levity, particularly during aerial combat and interactions with his friends. This balanced approach to Sam's characterization avoids relying on the excessive humor seen in other MCU films.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Action Sequences: The film delivers thrilling and dynamic action sequences, particularly those featuring the visually stunning Red Hulk.
- Performances: Anthony Mackie delivers a charming and physically compelling performance as Sam Wilson, while Harrison Ford shines as Secretary Ross, adding depth and gravitas to the narrative.
- Supporting Cast: Danny Ramirez impresses as Joaquin Torres, bringing energy and a strong dynamic to the team. The main antagonist will be a delight for long-time Marvel fans, given their appearance and motivations.
Weaknesses:
- Script Issues: The screenplay suffers from superficial writing, abrupt character development, and inconsistencies in Sam's abilities, particularly against the Red Hulk.
- Predictable Plot: Despite a promising setup, the narrative becomes predictable, relying heavily on tropes from previous Captain America films.
- Underdeveloped Characters: Sam Wilson feels somewhat one-dimensional compared to Steve Rogers, and the villain is ultimately forgettable.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Set in the aftermath of Eternals, The New World Order features Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) as President of the United States. The colossal, adamantium-covered remains of Tiamut pose both a threat and a valuable resource. Ross tasks Sam Wilson with assembling a new team to secure these resources. However, an assassination attempt on the President reveals a larger conspiracy. The film unfolds as a globe-trotting adventure filled with espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes action. Despite its intriguing premise, the film falters due to questionable scripting choices, leading to forced moments and inconsistencies in character abilities.
Conclusion
Captain America: The New World Order, while flawed, offers a solid spy-action film experience for casual viewers. The cinematography, intriguing plot twists, and strong performances partially compensate for a weaker script. For those with moderate expectations, the film provides a satisfying, albeit imperfect, entry into the MCU. A post-credits scene hints at future developments, leaving fans with anticipation for what's to come. Whether Sam Wilson fully rises to the occasion remains to be seen, but The New World Order serves as a decent, if imperfect, addition to the MCU.
Positive Aspects
The film's action sequences, particularly the Red Hulk's involvement, received widespread praise. Anthony Mackie's performance as Sam Wilson and Harrison Ford's portrayal of Secretary Ross were highlighted as strengths, adding depth and nuance. The Red Hulk's CGI was also lauded. The humor between Mackie and Ramirez provided a nice contrast to the film's darker themes.
Negative Aspects
The most prevalent criticism centered on the film's weak script, deemed superficial and lacking emotional depth. The predictable plot and overreliance on familiar tropes from previous Captain America films were also noted. Sam Wilson's character development was considered insufficient, and the villain was criticized for being forgettable. Uneven pacing was another point of contention. While visually impressive, the film ultimately falls short in delivering a truly compelling narrative.
