On February 12th, *Captain America: The New World Order* premiered to a wave of mixed critical reviews. While some lauded the film's impressive action sequences, strong performances, and the visually stunning Red Hulk, others criticized its shallow storytelling and underdeveloped plot. This in-depth review explores both the film's strengths and weaknesses.

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*, the question of Bucky Barnes' potential claim to the mantle sparked considerable debate among fans. Marvel cleverly addressed this by showcasing the close friendship between Sam and Bucky in *The Falcon and The Winter Soldier*, illustrating 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 reflect his values.

*The New World Order* blends elements from Steve Rogers' trilogy – wartime adventures, espionage, and global intrigue – introducing Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) as Sam's new partner. While the film opens with a classic Marvel action sequence and features familiar CGI shortcomings, it attempts to forge a new path for the Captain America franchise. Though Sam Wilson differs greatly from Steve Rogers, the film strives to create a similar heroic archetype, mirroring Rogers' dialogue and serious demeanor, punctuated by moments of levity during aerial combat and interactions with friends. This balanced approach avoids over-reliance on the typical Marvel comedic style, reflecting the character's evolution.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Action Sequences: The film delivers thrilling fight scenes, especially those featuring the visually spectacular Red Hulk.
• Performances: Anthony Mackie brings charisma and physical prowess to the role of Sam Wilson, while Harrison Ford shines as Secretary Ross, adding depth and nuance.
• Supporting Cast: Danny Ramirez is impressive 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, particularly against the Red Hulk.
• Predictable Plot: Despite a promising premise, the narrative becomes predictable, relying heavily on familiar tropes from previous Captain America films.
• Underdeveloped Characters: Sam Wilson feels less developed than Steve Rogers, and the villain is largely forgettable.

Plot Summary (Without Spoilers)

Set in a world still grappling with the aftermath of *Eternals*, *The New World Order* features Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) as President of the United States. The colossal, adamantium-covered corpse of Tiamut poses both a threat and a valuable resource. Ross tasks Sam Wilson with assembling a new Avengers team to secure these resources. However, an assassination attempt on the President reveals a sinister plot orchestrated by a mysterious villain, leading to a globe-trotting adventure filled with espionage, betrayal, and intense action. Despite its intriguing premise, the film falters due to questionable script choices, with forced moments and inexplicable power upgrades for Sam. The final confrontation with the Red Hulk raises questions about the plausibility of the conflict.

Conclusion

While *Captain America: The New World Order* has its flaws, it remains a watchable spy-action film for casual viewers. Strong cinematography, intriguing plot twists, and excellent performances compensate for the weaker script. For those who don't have overly high expectations, the film offers a satisfying experience. A post-credits scene hints at future Marvel developments, leaving fans anticipating what's to come. Whether Sam Wilson will ultimately prove a worthy successor to Steve Rogers remains to be seen, but *The New World Order* serves as a decent, albeit imperfect, addition to the MCU.

Positive Aspects

Critics praised the action sequences, particularly the Red Hulk battle. Anthony Mackie's portrayal of Sam Wilson and Harrison Ford's performance as Secretary Ross were highlighted, along with the film's visual effects, especially the Red Hulk. The humor between Mackie and Ramirez was also appreciated.

Negative Aspects

The film's weak, superficial script and predictable plot were widely criticized. Sam Wilson's character development was deemed insufficient, and the villain was considered forgettable. The pacing was also cited as uneven. While visually impressive, the film lacks a truly compelling narrative.