The latest installment in the Captain America franchise, Brave New World, has finally hit theaters, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. Director Julius Onah's attempt to revamp the series and introduce a new Captain America, played by Anthony Mackie, results in a muddled and unconvincing narrative that struggles to find its identity.

The film's plot revolves around Sam Wilson, aka the new Captain America, as he navigates a world without the Avengers and tries to make a name for himself as a hero. However, the story gets bogged down in exposition, trying to cram in too much information about the MCU's recent events, making it feel like a chore to follow along. The script, written by Onah, Malcolm Spellman, Rob Edwards, Dalan Musson, and Peter Glanz, fails to trust the audience's ability to keep up, resulting in a slow and plodding pace.

One of the few bright spots in the film is the chemistry between Mackie and Carl Lumbly, who plays Isaiah Bradley, a Korean War veteran and supersoldier. Their scenes together are some of the most compelling in the movie, as they explore the complexities of being a superhero and a state-sponsored mascot. However, even these moments are not enough to save the film from its overall lack of direction.

The movie's action set pieces are impressive, showcasing Sam's new aerial abilities, but they feel like a shallow attempt to distract from the lack of substance in the story. The film's themes of racism, government corruption, and the blurred lines between heroism and propaganda are timely and relevant, but they are handled with a heavy hand, feeling more like a checklist of social issues rather than a genuine exploration of the characters and their world.

The supporting cast, including Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, is underutilized, with Ford's character feeling like a caricature of his former self. The introduction of Ruth Bat-Seraph, played by Shira Haas, feels like an afterthought, and her storyline is woefully underdeveloped. The film's attempts to recreate the dynamic between Captain America, Black Widow, and Bucky Barnes fall flat, and the whole production feels like a rehashing of previous Marvel movies rather than a fresh take on the franchise.

In conclusion, Captain America: Brave New World is a disappointing addition to the MCU, struggling to find its footing and deliver a compelling narrative. Despite strong performances from its cast, the film's poor script and lack of direction make it a skippable entry in the franchise. With the MCU in a state of flux after the events of Avengers: Endgame, it's clear that Marvel still has a lot to figure out before it can get back on track.