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 its action sequences, strong performances, and the impressive visual spectacle of the Red Hulk, others criticized its shallow storytelling and underdeveloped plot. This review delves into the film's strengths and weaknesses.

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 confident acceptance of his new role. *The New World Order* attempts to blend elements of the Steve Rogers trilogy – wartime adventures, espionage, and global intrigue – introducing Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) as Sam's partner. The film opens with a classic Marvel action sequence, showcasing familiar CGI, but also highlighting a key difference: Sam Wilson, while molded into a similar role, remains distinct from Steve Rogers. His dialogue, though echoing Rogers' at times, is tempered with a lighter touch in interactions with friends and during aerial combat, offering a more nuanced portrayal than simply relying on typical Marvel humor.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Action Sequences: The film delivers thrilling action, particularly the Red Hulk sequences, which are visually stunning.
• Performances: Anthony Mackie brings charm and physicality to the role, while Harrison Ford's Secretary Ross adds depth and nuance. Danny Ramirez also shines as Joaquin Torres.
• Supporting Cast: The main antagonist will particularly resonate with long-time Marvel fans.

Weaknesses:

• Script Issues: The screenplay suffers from superficial writing, abrupt character developments, and inconsistencies in Sam's abilities.
• Predictable Plot: The narrative relies heavily on familiar tropes from previous Captain America films.
• Underdeveloped Characters: Sam Wilson feels less complex than Steve Rogers, and the villain is forgettable.

Plot Summary (Without Spoilers)

Set after *Eternals*, with Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) as President, the world grapples with the colossal remains of Tiamut. Ross tasks Sam Wilson with assembling a new team to secure resources from Tiamut's adamantium-covered body. An assassination attempt on the President reveals a larger conspiracy. The ensuing globe-trotting adventure, while intriguing in premise, suffers from questionable script choices, including abrupt costume changes and illogical power upgrades for Sam. The climactic battle with the Red Hulk also raises questions about plausibility.

Conclusion

Despite its flaws, *Captain America: The New World Order* provides a solid spy-action experience for casual viewers. Strong cinematography, intriguing twists, and standout performances compensate for a weaker script. The post-credits scene hints at future developments, leaving fans wanting more. While Sam Wilson's suitability as Steve Rogers' successor remains debatable, *The New World Order* offers a decent, if imperfect, addition to the MCU.

Positive Aspects

The film's action sequences, especially the Red Hulk fight, received considerable praise. Anthony Mackie's performance, Harrison Ford's nuanced portrayal of Ross, and the visual effects were all highlighted as strengths. The humor between Mackie and Ramirez was also appreciated.

Negative Aspects

The film's most significant criticism centers on its weak, superficial script, predictable plot, and underdeveloped characters. Sam Wilson felt one-dimensional compared to Steve Rogers, and the villain was considered forgettable. The pacing was also uneven.