‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Is Marvel’s Rock Bottom. Now What?
Feb 14, 2025
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Film critic Chris Ryan joins the hosts to dissect the chaos of 'Captain America: Brave New World.' They dive into the film's numerous rewrites and production struggles, questioning Harrison Ford's role choices. The discussion emphasizes the film's disconnect within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its confusion as a political thriller over a superhero story. They critically assess the visual effects and lackluster character arcs, expressing concern about Marvel's declining quality and the franchise's future amidst Hollywood's ever-evolving landscape.
The podcast critiques 'Captain America: Brave New World' for its inadequate execution and disappointing CGI compared to earlier Marvel films.
Discussion focuses on the film's struggle to cohesively tie together loose story ends from previous MCU entries, notably Sam Wilson's character arc.
Concerns are raised about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, questioning if audiences will remain engaged amidst declining storytelling quality.
Deep dives
Amy Poehler's Podcast Launch
Amy Poehler introduces her new podcast, Good Hang, highlighting the importance of authenticity in hosting. She shares advice from friends who suggest being genuine and avoiding overexposure as a celebrity. Poehler expresses her love for niche podcast genres, such as true crime and cooking, pondering a potential combination of the two. The podcast aims to lighten the mood and offer a space for entertaining discussions amidst tough times.
The White Lotus Season 3 Teaser
The episode promotes the upcoming season of The White Lotus, which immerses viewers in a luxurious yet sinister wellness resort in Thailand. It hints at the juxtaposition between idyllic vacationers and the hidden darkness within the resort's staff. The marketing emphasizes a blend of beauty and intrigue, enticing viewers with the promise of unexpected plot twists and character secrets. This theme resonates with the show's critical acclaim and recognition at award ceremonies.
Captain America: Brave New World Overview
A deep dive into Captain America: Brave New World reveals it as the 35th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by Julius Ona. The film attempts to tie up various loose story ends from previous Marvel movies and TV series, especially focusing on character Sam Wilson, who inherits the Captain America mantle. The conversation emphasizes the film's complex interrelationships with earlier MCU entries, including Eternals and The Incredible Hulk. Despite its connections, the critics express disappointment in how the film handles these references and its overall coherence.
Critique of Film Quality and Execution
The discussion critiques the overall quality of Captain America: Brave New World, marking it as one of the weakest entries in the franchise. Critics lament the film's lackluster execution, with subpar CGI and poorly choreographed action scenes, lacking the compelling visuals typical of earlier MCU films. The dialogue is pointedly criticized for its awkward exposition, failing to engage both casual viewers and longtime fans. This analysis highlights how the production feels rushed and poorly assembled compared to prior Marvel films.
Concerns About the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Future
Amidst the critique of the film, a broader concern emerges regarding the sustainability of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's model, marked by interconnected storytelling. The conversation reflects on whether audiences will continue to engage with MCU content given the recent decline in quality and the rise of mediocrity in storytelling. The panel discusses the challenges of maintaining audience interest as the franchise attempts to introduce new characters and storylines while addressing past narratives. Ultimately, there’s a palpable worry that unless significant changes occur, the franchise may risk losing its core audience and relevance in the industry.
Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to review the utter mess that is ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’ They discuss its various rewrites, the ways the movie shows its seams, why Harrison Ford is even interested in taking roles like this, and what it means for the end of Phase 5 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
