Harrison Ford delivers a standout performance in Captain America: Brave New World, overshadowing an overcrowded plot as he transforms from President Ross into the formidable Red Hulk.

Marvel’s latest installment, Captain America: Brave New World, was supposed to be Anthony Mackie’s defining moment as Sam Wilson fully embraces his role as the new Captain America.

However, despite the film’s attempt to focus on Wilson’s journey, it is veteran actor Harrison Ford who commands the spotlight.

At 82, Ford delivers a performance that elevates an otherwise overcrowded and sometimes disjointed superhero epic.

Taking over the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross from the late William Hurt, Ford brings a new depth to the character, who is now the President of the United States.

Unlike his previous incarnations, Ross is portrayed as a man struggling with his past, particularly in his attempts to reconnect with his daughter, Betty Ross, played by Liv Tyler.

This unexpected emotional arc adds layers to his character, making him more than just another political figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The film’s central conflict revolves around Ross’ efforts to broker a treaty involving Adamantium, a rare and highly valuable metal discovered at the core of a Celestial Island, an element tied back to Eternals (2021).

This global crisis puts Ross at the center of an assassination attempt orchestrated by a brainwashed Isaiah Bradley, played by Carl Lumbly.

Sam Wilson, meanwhile, finds himself caught in a race against time—not only to stop the attack on the president but also to clear Bradley’s name and expose the true villain manipulating events from the shadows: Samuel Sterns, also known as The Leader, played by Tim Blake Nelson.

While all these moving parts could make for a gripping political thriller within the superhero genre, the film struggles under the weight of its many storylines. With five credited screenwriters, the narrative often feels like a patchwork of ideas rather than a cohesive vision.

The inclusion of returning characters from The Incredible Hulk (2008), a film Marvel has largely ignored for years, feels more like an attempt to retroactively tie loose ends together rather than an organic extension of the MCU.

The film also introduces new allies, including Ross’ security adviser, Ruth Bat-Seraph, played by Shira Haas, an ex-Widow who quickly aligns herself with Sam and his partner, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez).

The film’s pacing, however, remains one of its strengths. Director Julius Onah injects enough urgency to keep things moving at a brisk speed, with the runtime clocking in at just under two hours.

The action sequences, while not as groundbreaking as those in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), are thrilling enough to maintain engagement.

Sam Wilson’s aerial combat and shield-wielding moments provide some of the film’s most exciting set pieces, even as his character arc struggles to find its footing amid the overwhelming plot.

The most significant marketing point of the film, of course, is the transformation of President Ross into the Red Hulk. While this moment was widely anticipated, it slightly diminishes the emotional weight of his character arc.

Instead of allowing the internal struggles of Ross to fully develop, the film ultimately leans into the spectacle of his monstrous form.

That being said, Ford manages to make even this transformation compelling, using his signature blend of gruff intensity and understated humor to bring a level of authenticity to a larger-than-life moment.

His portrayal ensures that Ross never becomes just another CGI-heavy superpowered character, but rather a man battling both external enemies and the rage within himself.

Mackie, despite being the titular Captain America, faces an uphill battle in fully establishing his version of the hero.

The film touches on themes of legacy and the expectations placed on him as the first Black Captain America, but these elements are not explored as deeply as they could be.

There are glimpses of a more profound story, particularly in Sam’s interactions with Bradley and his concerns about living up to Steve Rogers’ legacy, but these moments are often overshadowed by the film’s need to juggle multiple plotlines.

Another casualty of the film’s overstuffed nature is Giancarlo Esposito’s character, Sidewinder. Touted as a significant addition to the MCU, Esposito’s villainous role is reduced to a misleading subplot, serving as a mere distraction rather than a fully realized antagonist.

Given the actor’s track record for playing complex villains, his limited screen time and minimal impact on the overall story feel like a missed opportunity.

Despite its narrative flaws, Captain America: Brave New World remains a step up from some of Marvel’s recent misfires.

It may not reach the heights of The Winter Soldier, but it offers a more cohesive and engaging experience than other post-Endgame entries in the franchise.

The film’s real success lies in Ford’s commanding presence, which not only revitalizes Ross as a character but also brings a level of gravitas that helps hold the film together.

At its core, Brave New World is a film about legacy—both in terms of Captain America’s role and Ross’ own reckoning with his past.

While Mackie’s Sam Wilson still has room to grow into his new mantle, Ford’s performance alone makes this chapter in the MCU worth watching.

Whether Brave New World will have a lasting impact on the franchise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Harrison Ford proves, once again, why he remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring and captivating stars.