Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World is one of the most anticipated superhero films of the year, yet its early reception has been far from stellar. With a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 46 reviews, the film has sparked debates among fans and critics alike. The movie, which sees Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson fully stepping into the mantle of Captain America, has been met with mixed reactions, leaving many wondering if Marvel’s latest installment is worth a trip to the theaters.

The fourth Captain America movie marks a major transition for the franchise, as it is the first film without Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers as the titular hero. While Mackie’s portrayal of Sam Wilson has been widely praised in the past, his transition from Falcon to Captain America has not been without controversy. Some fans were excited to see the character take on the iconic shield, while others were skeptical about how the film would handle his journey. Unfortunately, Brave New World seems to have failed to fully win over audiences based on these early reviews.

One of the biggest criticisms of the film appears to be its storytelling. Multiple reviewers have pointed out that the movie struggles to find its identity, feeling more like an extension of a Disney+ series than a true cinematic blockbuster. The pacing, character development, and stakes have all been questioned, with some saying that Brave New World lacks the depth and intensity that made previous Captain America films so compelling. While Mackie delivers a strong performance, many feel that the script does not give him enough material to truly shine in his new role as the leader of the Avengers.

Another point of contention has been the film’s action sequences and visual effects. While Marvel has always been known for delivering thrilling fight scenes, some critics argue that the choreography and CGI in Brave New World feel uninspired compared to previous entries in the franchise. The Captain America films have traditionally been known for their grounded, hard-hitting action, particularly in The Winter Soldier and Civil War, but this latest installment reportedly lacks the same level of intensity and realism.

Despite the criticism, not all reactions to Brave New World have been negative. Some viewers have praised the film for its exploration of Sam Wilson’s struggles as the new Captain America and how he deals with the weight of the shield. The movie attempts to tackle themes of legacy, leadership, and political intrigue, which have always been key elements of the Captain America series. Additionally, the return of familiar faces like Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and Tim Blake Nelson as The Leader has added some excitement for longtime Marvel fans.

However, Marvel Studios is currently facing an uphill battle when it comes to winning back audiences. The post-Endgame era has been filled with ups and downs, with many of the franchise’s recent films underperforming both critically and financially. Fans have expressed fatigue with the MCU’s increasingly formulaic approach, and Brave New World seems to be struggling to break that cycle. The 46% Rotten Tomatoes score is one of the lowest for a Captain America film, raising concerns about whether the franchise is losing its appeal.

The question now is whether audiences will still turn out in theaters despite the mixed reviews. Some fans remain loyal to the MCU and will watch the film regardless, while others may wait for it to hit Disney+ before deciding if it’s worth their time. Box office projections will ultimately determine whether Brave New World is a success or another disappointing entry in Marvel’s Phase 5.

With superhero fatigue becoming a growing concern in Hollywood, Captain America: Brave New World represents a crucial test for Marvel Studios. Can the franchise recapture the magic that made previous Captain America films iconic, or is the MCU struggling to maintain its dominance in the genre? While critics may not be fully on board, audiences will have the final say when the film officially hits theaters. Will you be watching Captain America 4 on the big screen?