Common Sense Media Review
By Betsy Bozdech
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action violence, swearing in solid, earnest MCU adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Captain America: Brave New World
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say the latest entry in the superhero franchise has drawn mixed reactions, with many praising the action and character development but expressing concerns over the film's intense violence and language that may be unsuitable for younger viewers. While some found it entertaining and appreciated its moral lessons, others felt it strayed too far into disturbing territory, making it one of the lesser entries in the franchise.
- entertaining action
- intense violence
- mixed reactions
- not suitable for kids
- moral lessons
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a mixed experience, with some praising the action and character development while others criticize its convoluted plot and pacing, feeling it lacks the quality of previous entries in the MCU. Several viewers found the storytelling disappointing and marred by excessive violence, while others appreciated the performances, particularly that of the main actor, and thought it had engaging moments despite its flaws.
- mixed reviews
- uneven plot
- engaging moments
- violence critique
- character performance
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD is the fourth Captain America movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the first since Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) acquired the title and shield from Steve Rogers. Sam feels the weight of the responsibility and expectations that come with the role, but he's proud to help his country, even if that means working with newly elected President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), whose history when it comes to the Avengers is checkered at best. After Sam and his Falcon-in-training protégé, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), complete a mission to rescue hostages and retrieve a mysterious package, Ross invites them—along with Sam's mentor, former supersoldier Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly)—to the White House for an event at which Ross will be pitching a landmark international treaty. But when things go very wrong, very quickly, Sam and Joaquin find themselves caught up in a complicated web of lies and betrayal that could lead to dire circumstances for the whole world if they can't get to the bottom of things.
Is It Any Good?
A mix of earnest speeches and fairly intense action sequences, Sam Wilson's first stand-alone Captain America adventure is a solid, if not spectacular, entry in the MCU canon. It's also one that you might need to do some homework for in order to fully appreciate all of its references and layers. Because not only does Captain America: Brave New World build on key story elements and characters from the 2021 TV show The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but it also references significant events from the 2021 movie Eternals and (throwback alert!) 2008's The Incredible Hulk—neither of which is on most folks' list of most-popular MCU movies.
That said, even if you don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of MCU lore, there's stuff to enjoy in Brave New World: It's one of the more diverse entries in the franchise, Sam and Joaquin have a nice mentor/mentee relationship, there are a couple of fun cameos, and Ford does a fine job stepping into the role of Ross (the character was originally played by William Hurt). Just know that the dialogue is a bit light on the quippy Marvel humor so many fans love—and heavy on exposition and overt messages (e.g., "if we can't see the good in each other, we've already lost the fight")—and, as a whole, the movie feels a bit like a quick pit stop on the highway that's heading toward the main action of the MCU's next phase.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the characters in Captain America: Brave New World demonstrate courage and integrity. Why are those important character strengths?
Why does representation—of gender, race, ethnicity, and more—matter? What's the potential consequence when the majority of films come from a limited/narrow perspective or lived experience?
What do you think about the way superhero movies depict violence? Is there a difference in the way you react to realistic violence vs. stylized violence? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How does Sam's version of Captain America compare to Steve Rogers'? How do you feel about seeing new people/characters in roles that were previously associated with other characters?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 14, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : April 15, 2025
- Cast : Anthony Mackie , Harrison Ford , Danny Ramirez , Shira Haas
- Director : Julius Onah
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of violence and action, and some strong language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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