For a while now, I’ve been thinking about writing reviews on my website. But with so many standard reviews already out there, I wanted to do something different—something that reflects how I personally experience movies.
As a writer-to-be, I don’t just watch movies for entertainment. I look at them through a storyteller’s lens—analyzing how they handle worldbuilding, character arcs, and thematic depth. Whether it’s a blockbuster superhero film or a slow-burn drama, I’m always paying attention to what makes a story work (or fall apart).
So, for today’s blog, I’m putting this idea to the test. This will be my first review from a writer’s perspective, where I break down a movie not just as a viewer, but as someone who studies storytelling. And what better way to start than with the latest Marvel release?
Theme
As with all Marvel films, Captain America: Brave New World falls squarely into the superhero genre. But while its foundation remains familiar, the Captain America mantle itself has changed, and that shift is at the heart of this story.
Sam Wilson has stepped into the role of Captain America, and his struggle with that responsibility is evident—not just internally, but in how those around him perceive him. Many still associate the shield with Steve Rogers, making Sam’s journey one of both personal acceptance and societal recognition.
Beyond Sam’s internal battle, the movie leans heavily into political themes, offering a fresh contrast to Marvel’s recent Multiverse-heavy narratives. The election of Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross as the new U.S. president creates an immediate source of conflict, as Ross and Sam Wilson have a complicated and uneasy history—something the film makes sure to acknowledge. Their differing views on leadership and how to handle global crises drive much of the film’s tension, adding a layer of realism that sets this installment apart.
The pacing of the story is generally well-balanced—not too fast for audiences to follow—but at times, it rushes past key developments without enough explanation. There were moments where I found myself wondering how certain characters acquired information, and those gaps in detail made parts of the story feel slightly less immersive. The opportunity was there to expand on these elements, but it seems the film chose efficiency over depth. While not a major flaw, it does feel like a missed opportunity for worldbuilding and character nuance.
Worldbuilding
One of the most exciting developments in Captain America: Brave New World is the long-awaited introduction of Adamantium, a material with major significance in the Marvel Universe. Additionally, the film finally acknowledges the Celestial remains in the Indian Ocean, a lingering plot point that has gone unmentioned since Eternals. These elements add depth to the MCU’s evolving world, making this film a stepping stone for future developments.
However, judging worldbuilding in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is tricky. Much of it has already been established, leaving films with two options: expand on existing lore or introduce something entirely new. In this case, the world of Sam Wilson’s Captain America is largely unchanged. Aside from the introduction of a new U.S. president, the political landscape sees shifts, but the broader MCU setting remains stable.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Good worldbuilding isn’t about constant expansion—it’s about meaningful evolution. There was no need to force drastic changes just for the sake of novelty. Instead, the film focuses on refining what already exists, making small but impactful additions that feel natural within the established world. The inclusion of Adamantium and the Celestial reference might seem minor, but they serve a purpose, hinting at larger narratives to come. And for that, I think it works.
Character Arc
Sam Wilson: A Familiar Struggle
As the central character of the film, Sam Wilson’s arc revolves around his struggle to fully embrace his role as Captain America. While this is an understandable direction, it also feels like the safe choice. We’ve already seen him wrestle with this responsibility in previous movies, so revisiting the same internal conflict—while well-executed—feels somewhat predictable. That said, the film handles it smoothly, and the overall pacing prevents it from becoming repetitive.
Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross: A Parallel Internal Struggle
What makes Sam’s arc feel even more conventional is that Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross is undergoing a similar internal battle. He, too, is grappling with his past decisions and trying to redefine himself in his new role. While this adds depth to his character, it also creates a narrative redundancy—with two of the film’s biggest characters dealing with nearly identical struggles, their arcs feel somewhat overlapping rather than complementary. It would have been more compelling if one of them—perhaps Sam—had a different external challenge driving their growth, allowing for a more dynamic contrast.
Joaquin Torres: The Next Falcon
Another notable character in the film is Joaquin Torres, who is clearly being positioned as the next Falcon now that Sam has moved on from the role. Without giving too much away, the film includes a scene that highlights how much he still has to learn—a classic setup for a legacy character. While this isn’t inherently bad, it’s another predictable choice, following a well-worn formula for side characters stepping into bigger roles. It would have been refreshing to see a more creative way of depicting his development rather than relying on familiar beats.
None of these character arcs ruin the film, but they highlight a larger issue: playing it too safe with storytelling choices. Just because a formula has worked in the past doesn’t mean it should be repeated without variation. While the execution is solid, the film could have taken more risks in how it developed these key characters, making their journeys feel more distinct and engaging.
Final Thought
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that I enjoyed watching the movie—and I did. The timing of Captain America: Brave New World feels just right, offering a refreshing change of pace from the recent wave of Marvel’s Multiverse-heavy films.
From a writer’s perspective, while some elements were predictable, I appreciate that the film didn’t introduce unnecessary additions just for the sake of it. Instead, it focused on refining what was already established, proving that when a franchise takes the time to build a strong foundation, it allows for more natural storytelling in the future. That’s exactly what this movie does—it sets the stage for what’s to come in a way that feels intentional and well-paced.
While I do wish the film had taken a few more creative risks with its character arcs, it still delivers a solid and enjoyable experience. I’d give it an 8/10 and would definitely recommend it to any Marvel fan looking for a grounded, character-driven superhero story.