Captain America: Brave New World early reviews pour in, press reports mixed reaction

Anthony Mackie rightfully earned the shield and he has proved that in Captain America: Brave New World. The Marvel Cinematic Universe film has still a couple of days before it is properly released but was recently shown to the members of the press.

While performances were praised, some found the film didn't have much to offer. It met with a lukewarm reception, the majority of which came via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

From what we have learned so far following the first reactions, it is a sequel not just to Captain America: Civil War, but to The Incredible Hulk (2008), and Eternals (2021) too.

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Captain America: Brave New World's first screening meets with lukewarm reception

First, we will begin with film and TV journalist, Scott Menzel, who believes that it is a game-changer for the MCU's Phase Five. He wrote:

"Captain America: Brave New World is a game-changer for Phase 5 of the MCU."

A Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic believes that Anthony Mackie has delivered the best performance yet. He said that the film:

"Is a strong testament to why Sam Wilson was the right choice to carry the shield. Mackie delivers his best performance yet."

We know that the film had to go through a lot of reshoots, which Seth Rogan also confirmed earlier, and that, according to Nerdist's Lee Travis, killed the film's soul. He said:

"The soul of the film feels lost in all the reshoots."

Another Tomatometer-approved critic was disappointed by the film too. He wrote:

"Nothing brave about #CaptainAmerica/#CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld."

While these are simply first reactions for the film, the ultimate showdown is still a couple of days ahead, and true caliber will be revealed then only. Still, one thing appears imminent with this: acting in there will be worthwhile even if the plot fails to deliver.

As for the plot, all we can tell is that Sam Wilson will find himself in the middle of an international incident. Other than Mackie, Liv Tyler, Danny Ramirez, Giancarlo Esposito, and more stars in Captain America: Brave New World.

The film will be the second-to-last film for Phase Five, followed by Thunderbolts* in May 2025. Other than that, we have a couple of shows remaining, Daredevil: Born Again and Ironheart, which will conclude Phase Five.

Expectations for Captain America: Brave New World are high as the film is expected to garner $90 million on its debut. That's half of what the entire budget is spent on.

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Also Read: Why was Captain America: Brave New World’s original title changed? Reasons explored