Captain America: Brave New World leaves viewers with several unanswered questions and underdeveloped characters. This review explores the film's biggest plot holes and inconsistencies.
Captain America: Brave New World Image Gallery
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Where Was Bruce Banner?
The film directly builds upon The Incredible Hulk, yet inexplicably omits Bruce Banner. Given the events unfolding – the transformation of Samuel Sterns (The Leader) and the Red Hulk’s actions – Banner's absence is glaring. His established role in monitoring global threats makes his complete absence illogical. While Marvel may offer a post-hoc explanation (e.g., off-world with Skaar), the plot feels incomplete without him.
The Leader's Underwhelming Tactics
The Leader, a brilliant mastermind in the comics, is portrayed as less strategically adept in the film. His plan seems simplistic and fails to account for Captain America's intervention. His surrender at the climax also feels illogical, especially considering the magnitude of his potential plans. His motivations seem limited to personal revenge against President Ross, lacking the grander scale expected of such a villain.
Red Hulk's Inconsistent Portrayal
The film's Red Hulk lacks the tactical brilliance and intelligence depicted in the comics. He is portrayed as a mindless rage monster, similar to the early Hulk, rather than a cunning and strategic adversary. While the irony of Ross becoming what he hated is appreciated, the missed opportunity to present a unique Hulk variation is disappointing.
Vibranium vs. Bullets: A Contradiction?
Red Hulk's invulnerability to bullets is contradicted by his susceptibility to Captain America's vibranium blades. This inconsistency is likely explained by the superior properties of vibranium, but it remains a noticeable plot point.
Bucky's Unexpected Political Career
Bucky Barnes' sudden political aspirations are unexplained. His past actions and personality seem ill-suited for a political career, making this transition jarring and unconvincing.
Sidewinder's Unexplained Grudge
Sidewinder's intense personal vendetta against Captain America lacks sufficient explanation. While his motivations might have been fleshed out in earlier drafts, the film leaves this crucial aspect underdeveloped.
Sabra's Limited Role
Ruth Bat-Seraph (Sabra) feels like a token inclusion, lacking a substantial impact on the narrative. Her adaptation from the comics also seems arbitrary, given the significant changes to her character.
Adamantium's Significance
Adamantium's introduction feels like a plot device rather than a significant element shaping the future MCU. While its connection to Wolverine is obvious, its broader implications remain unclear.
The Absent Avengers
The film hints at the need for a new Avengers team but fails to meaningfully progress towards its formation. The lack of other Avengers in the climax weakens the conflict and leaves the setup for Avengers: Doomsday underdeveloped.
Poll: Should More Avengers Have Been Included?
A poll asks viewers whether more Avengers should have been included in Captain America: Brave New World. Options include “Yes, it would have made the climax more exciting” and “No, this needed to be Sam's story.”
This review concludes by summarizing the film's shortcomings and highlighting the lingering questions surrounding its plot and character development.
