Marvel Cinematic Universe 34: Captain America 4 [Brave New World]

MCU 34: Captain America 4 [Brave New World] (2025)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


For anyone only following the movies that has not seen The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, this is the first time we see Mackie pick up the shield on the big screen instead of Evans. There's a lot of action packed in and more than a few easter eggs, but if you haven't followed the series so far, watchers may be more than a little lost in the subtext. As an action film, it is engaging, but it doesn't seem to have as much of a story that it's telling. There are a few hints, especially at the end, for anyone paying attention, which makes sense especially following films like The Multiverse of Madness. It would seem the multiverse is here to stay with the popularity and ongoing references, which opens up a lot of possibilities for the series.

The Falcon & the Winter Soldier

The Falcon & the Winter Soldier (2021)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This picks up just after Endgame when Captain America has chosen a different life and passed his shield onto Sam, aka The Falcon. He has some hard choices ahead of him, and ends up butting heads with Bucky (previously the Winter Soldier) about as often as they end up working together. They make an odd team, with the lingering ghost of Steve lingering between them. Takes awhile to sort things out, especially with a new Super Soldier serum in the mix and a "new Captain America" who does not live up to the name.... until the successor Steve meant to take up his mantel is ready to take on the world in his own way.

Marvel Cinematic Universe 13: Captain America 3 [Civil War]

MCU 13: Captain America 3 [Civil War] (2016)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Oh my goodness. If you want action packed drama, this delivers! The Avengers are literally torn apart from the inside due to a combination of "vengeance" and possibly miss-placed sense of duty/responsibility. Tony thinks making it at least "look" like the Avengers are accountable for their actions is a saving grace.... but it appears that in forcing this opinion, he may have doomed them all if half the team ending up in a specialized prison are any indication. Don't know that being declared an official criminal is much of an improvement however, as those who side with Captain America are obviously deemed. Black Widow is a bit of the random dice given she "sides" with Tony, but aides Cap' at the same time. While the entire civil war causes all sorts of problems, it also brings Black Panther (who is also somewhat of an ambiguous character in the end), Ant-Man, and Spider-Man into the Avengers line-up. It'll be interesting to see if the "Winter Soldier" ends up on the roster as well in the future or if that character is solidly "on ice" for the rest of the Infinity Gauntlet. I think there'd have to be some big changes (besides just Ant-Man's size) before that could come into play. It'll also be interesting to see how things pan out with this new Spider-Man given he is crossing both the Disney & Fox domains of the Marvel franchise.

Marvel's Agent Carter

Marvel's Agent Carter (2015)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This  series continues the story of Agent Carter, and by association, Howard Stark, after the war when they lose Captain America. As such, it is helpful to have seen Captain America: The First Avenger before starting this series, though not an absolute requirement. There are tasteful flash backs to pieces of the actual film, though mostly just in the first episode where it really sets the scene for what Agent Carter is facing as she tries to continue her career and gets stonewalled by men who think a woman is only good a "secretary" or damsel in distress. It's interesting to see how these off shoot TV series stem from the original films yet add to them at the same time. It's a fun continuation of a good series.

Marvel Cinematic Universe 09: Captain America 2 [The Winter Soldier]

MCU 09: Captain America 2 [The Winter Soldier] (2014)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Captain America was not originally one of my favorite Marvel characters, but I have to admit to thoroughly loving the films. The Avengers showed Captain moving into his new age and position, though he took on more of the role of soldier again with S.H.I.E.L.D. than being a captain. The sequel brought out what was loved in the original Captain America as he once again stands for justice and takes charge of the field. A little miffed that despite often references to Stark technology and knowing connection with Iron Man, an appearance wasn't made, even to the extent of a simple phone call, when it was that same technology that was the crux of the Hydra/S.H.I.E.L.D. uprising. This was rather a bit of a disappointment, especially with the knowledge of the upcoming Avengers sequel bringing the team back together already. It was obvious that something was wrong with S.H.I.E.L.D., though I'll admit to not expecting it to go as far back as World War II and the original Hydra until the doctor came up in the lab. The Black Widow takes on a new look this time around; I almost didn't recognize her if not for the common use of her real name. It will also be interesting to see how this story fits with what has been happening in Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.D., as it typically seems to fit fairy closely with the movies. Overall though, another fun installment, either as a sequel, part of the overall series, or a stand alone film. Definitely one to add to the collection.

Marvel Cinematic Universe 05: Captain America 1 [The First Avenger]

MCU 05: Captain America 1 [The First Avenger] (2011)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Many familiar faces from other films combined in this one. The after credits provide a trailer for The Avengers with a note that Captain America will return in that film. Overall, good picks for the characters and well done for the overall film. A few moments of humor lighten an otherwise potentially very dark film given it's setting during World War II. Especially liked what they did with Captain America's uniform, keeping it true to the original design overall but still making it practical and applicable for actual war. Interesting tie in with the Iron Man films as Tony's father, Howard, plays a key role in the weapons design in this film. One of the better Marvel films currently out on the market.