Captain America: New World Order Review

On February 12th, *Captain America: The New World Order* debuted to a wave of mixed critical reviews. While some lauded the action sequences, strong performances, and the impressive visual spectacle of the Red Hulk, others criticized the film's shallow storytelling. This in-depth review explores both the film's ambitious aspects and its shortcomings.

Table of Contents

• A New Era for Captain America
• Key Strengths and Weaknesses
• Plot Summary (Without Spoilers)
• 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*, fan debates raged over Bucky Barnes' potential claim to the mantle. Marvel deftly addressed this by portraying Sam and Bucky's close friendship in *The Falcon and The Winter Soldier*, showcasing Sam's gradual acceptance of his new role. Initially grappling with self-doubt, Sam ultimately embraces his identity as Captain America, confronting the complexities of representing a nation that doesn't always represent him.

*The New World Order* attempts to blend elements from Steve Rogers' trilogy—wartime adventures, espionage, and global intrigue. It introduces Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) as Sam's partner, retains some familiar CGI shortcomings, and opens with a classic Marvel action set piece.

While Sam Wilson differs significantly from Steve Rogers, the film attempts to shape him into a similar mold. His dialogue often echoes Rogers', and his demeanor is largely serious, punctuated by moments of levity during aerial combat and humorous exchanges with friends. While some critics noted a lack of humor, the film balances lighthearted moments with Torres and clever lines during tense situations, fitting the character's evolution rather than relying on over-the-top jokes.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Action Sequences: The film delivers thrilling fight scenes, especially those involving the visually spectacular Red Hulk.
• Performances: Anthony Mackie brings charm and physicality to the role of Sam Wilson, while Harrison Ford excels as Secretary Ross, adding depth and nuance.
• Supporting Cast: Danny Ramirez impresses as Joaquin Torres, bringing energy and versatility 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 development, and inconsistencies in Sam's abilities against the Red Hulk.
• Predictable Plot: Despite a promising setup, the narrative becomes predictable, relying on familiar tropes from previous Captain America films.
• Underdeveloped Characters: Sam Wilson feels one-dimensional compared to Steve Rogers, and the villain is 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. With the colossal, adamantium-covered corpse of Tiamut protruding from the ocean, the world faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities for resource exploitation. Ross enlists Sam Wilson to assemble a new team and secure these resources. However, an assassination attempt reveals a sinister plot, leading to a globe-trotting adventure filled with espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes action.

Despite its premise, the film falters due to poor scripting choices. Key moments feel forced, including Sam's costume changes and unexplained skill upgrades. The final battle with the Red Hulk raises questions about the logic of the confrontation.

Conclusion

While *Captain America: The New World Order* has 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 those with moderate expectations, it offers a satisfying experience. A post-credits scene hints at future Marvel developments.

Will Sam Wilson prove a worthy successor to Steve Rogers? Time will tell, but *The New World Order* serves as a decent, if imperfect, addition to the MCU.

Positive Aspects

Critics praised the action sequences, 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. The humor between Mackie and Ramirez was a welcome contrast to the darker tone.

Negative Aspects

The film's weakest element was its superficial and emotionally shallow script. The plot was predictable and relied on familiar tropes. Sam Wilson's character development was insufficient, leaving him one-dimensional. The villain was forgettable, and the pacing was uneven. While visually impressive, the film lacks narrative depth.