By Izayah Morgan Editorial Staff “Captain America: Brave New World” is the fourth installment in the “Captain America” series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is set in - for lack of a better term - a brave new world. The film stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America. After “Avengers: Endgame” the previous Captain America (Chris Evans) passed the mantle and iconic shield to Sam Wilson. In the Disney+ series, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Sam ends up taking the mantle back after he discovers the U.S. government gave it to someone who didn’t fit the title Captain America. We also get to know the important character of Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), who was a super soldier, similar to Captain America, but instead of celebrating his accomplishments, he was in prison for the majority of his life after service. Sam Wilson had a controversial introduction as Captain America post “Endgame,” so it’s safe to say skepticism was high. That being said, I think the movie delivers highly in some aspects but under delivers in others. The main conflict is between Sam Wilson and Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) but has conflicts from other outside factors such as Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) and Seth Voelker (Giancarlo Esposito). One of the positives is how the movie handles the political turmoil that is happening between the world discovery of adamantium, which is stronger than the previous strongest metal vibranium. Thaddeus Ross proposes an accord at the White House that could see all major countries share the adamantium and distribute it fairly. All seems well until an assassination attempt almost takes the president's life. This thrusts us into the main conflict of the movie. However, it is here where I think the movie has too many themes injected at once with Samuel Sterns being introduced about halfway through. While the reasoning of this character made sense to the plot, it felt a bit messy in combination with the introduction of Seth Voelker who didn’t get enough screen time - a shame as Giancarlo is my favorite actor. Another positive is the inclusion of Sam's own Falcon - Joaquin Torres - whose inclusion provided good and well-timed comedy. The combination of beautiful CGI scenes through the middle of the movie with this was wonderful. Sam was amazing to see as Captain America. He was funny, great in combat scenes, and sympathetic and empathetic to others. There were also subtle microaggressions throughout the movie that, because of Sam’s race, he won’t be given the same respect and grace as Steve Rogers, which was a good point to highlight. As a Black man myself, what he represented to me and Black men all around this country was felt internally and externally. Which can be shown by me having the waterworks a couple times. It was powerful to see someone who looked like me take on the mantle as America's hero, which undoubtedly left me with a more positive impression of the film. Overall the movie was good. However, it had a bit too much going on and too many characters it tried to juggle. I do think the humor and visual spectacles helped this movie quite a bit. The choice to have a Black man embody an American icon and carry the red, white, and blue shield, without having his identity disappear as a result was powerful. This decision will undoubtedly be controversial, but that doesn't make it any less important. Without a doubt a choice that needed to be made, especially in today's political climate. Rating: B- A brave choice