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
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Captain America: Brave New World
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say the movie offers an entertaining mix of action and humor, but is notably heavy on violence and language, which may not be suitable for younger viewers. While some reviewers appreciate the character development and moral lessons, others caution that the intensity and amount of bloodshed surpass typical expectations for superhero films.
- action-packed
- heavy violence
- strong language
- mixed reviews
- character development
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 29 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mixed bag, with some praising its engaging action and commendable performances, while others criticize the convoluted plot and excessive violence. Many fans felt disappointed, noting it lacked the quality and coherence of previous entries in the franchise, although a few enjoyed the character developments and positive messages.
- mixed reactions
- action praised
- plot criticized
- violence noted
- character development
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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