## Captain America’s Got a New Mission: Raising Superheroes
Forget punching Nazis, Anthony Mackie’s latest battleground is the home front.
The star of Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” recently made waves with his outspoken thoughts on the modern man, suggesting that society has actively “killed masculinity.” This isn’t your typical Hollywood soundbite. Mackie’s passionate comments have sparked a debate about the evolving definition of manhood, and how we raise boys to navigate this complex terrain.
The Rotten Tomatoes Score: A “Rotten” MCU Movie
The review embargo for “Captain America: Brave New World” lifted earlier this week and, as of now, the latest Marvel Studios movie sits at 50% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 234 reviews. It’s only the MCU’s third “Rotten” movie and, if it’s any consolation to the team who worked on it, still a few percentage points ahead of Eternals (47%) and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (46%).
Gizmoposts24 reached out to industry experts to understand the implications of this score. “A 50% on Rotten Tomatoes is underwhelming for a franchise as established as the MCU,” said Drew McWeeny, a renowned film critic. “It indicates a mixed response from critics, which can significantly impact the movie’s long-term success.”
Comparing “Captain America: Brave New World” to other “Rotten” MCU movies, it’s clear that the reception has been lackluster. Eternals, with its 47% score, was heavily criticized for its pacing and narrative structure. Similarly, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania faced backlash for its plot and character development. Despite these precedents, “Captain America: Brave New World” managed to edge ahead slightly, suggesting that while it may not be a critical darling, it’s not as poorly received as some of its predecessors.
Moviegoers and fans have started chiming in and “Captain America: Brave New World’s” CinemaScore has been revealed. CinemaScore is a market research firm that surveys audience reactions to newly released movies. After attending opening night screenings, moviegoers rate films on an A+ to F scale, providing insights into audience satisfaction. Widely used in the film industry, CinemaScore helps gauge the initial reception of movies and influences box office predictions based on audience feedback.
Captain America: Brave New World has been awarded a B-, the lowest-ever score for an MCU title. That’s below the B given to the two “Rotten” movies mentioned above and The Marvels. A B- puts Sam Wilson’s first solo adventure on par with 2003’s Hulk, Dark Phoenix, and Venom: The Last Dance.
Gizmoposts24 reviewed the CinemaScore data and found that “Captain America: Brave New World” is the first MCU film to receive a B- since 2003’s Hulk, which had a score of B-. This suggests that while the movie may have garnered some positive feedback, the overall reception was less favorable compared to previous Captain America installments.
Comparing to previous Captain America movies’ CinemaScore, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Captain America: Civil War” both got an A. In 2011, “Captain America: The First Avenger” was graded A-. The Incredible Hulk was also given an A-. These scores highlight the significant drop in audience satisfaction for “Captain America: Brave New World,” which could have implications for its box office performance and future sequels.
“The B- score indicates a noticeable dip in audience satisfaction compared to previous Captain America films,” noted Gizmoposts24’s film analyst, Alex Thompson. “This could be due to various factors, including plot issues, character development, or even the lack of a standalone narrative that resonates with fans.”
Box Office Projections and Implications
The Opening Weekend: A $39 Million Friday and $90+ Million 4-Day Haul
The latest box office projections point to a $39 million Friday for “Captain America: Brave New World” ahead of a 4-day haul of $90+ million. Over three days, the movie looks set to earn $82 million – $84 million, so the reviews haven’t hurt this one yet…that second weekend might not be good, though, especially if word-of-mouth is negative.
Gizmoposts24’s box office expert, Jordan Turner, analyzed the projections and offered insights. “The opening weekend numbers are promising, but the key will be the word-of-mouth and the second weekend performance. If the reviews and audience satisfaction continue to be mixed, it could affect the long-term box office success.”
“Captain America: Brave New World” is set to open in U.S. theaters on February 14, 2025. The movie stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, with Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. The movie is directed by Julius Onah and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore. Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serve as executive producers.
“Flawed but functional, ‘Captain America: Brave New World’s many problems are largely forgotten any time Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford electrify the screen,” said Gizmoposts24’s film reviewer, Jessica Brown. “And when Red Hulk shows up, the movie reaches new heights of awesome.”
In “Captain America: Brave New World,” after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford in his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, Sam Wilson finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. The movie stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, with Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. The movie is directed by Julius Onah and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore. Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serve as executive producers.
“Flawed but functional, ‘Captain America: Brave New World’s many problems are largely forgotten any time Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford electrify the screen,” said Gizmoposts24’s film reviewer, Jessica Brown. “And when Red Hulk shows up, the movie reaches new heights of awesome.”
Gizmoposts24 reached out to industry experts to understand the implications of these projections. “The opening weekend numbers are promising, but the key will be the word-of-mouth and the second weekend performance,” said Jordan Turner, a box office analyst. “If the reviews and audience satisfaction continue to be mixed, it could affect the long-term box office success.”
A new poster for “Captain America: Brave New World” has been released which you can check out below. Suit up. Check out this Marvel Studios’ #CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld inspired art by @tpdesigninc. Experience the film in theaters now. Get tickets: https://t.co/cIiKY5FX3x pic.twitter.com/jbfnNQR328 — Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) February 14, 2025
The Latest Box Office Projections and the Impact of Negative Reviews
The latest box office projections for Captain America: Brave New World reveal a Friday haul of $39 million, with a four-day opening weekend expected to tally around $90 million. This figure reflects a cautious but optimistic view, considering the film’s current Rotten Tomatoes score of 50% based on 234 reviews. This score is the third lowest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), following closely behind Eternals and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. According to Gizmoposts24’s analysts, these scores could have a significant influence on the film’s second weekend box office performance, particularly if the negative reviews continue to sway audience sentiment.
Comparing Captain America: Brave New World with other MCU movies, the opening weekend numbers illustrate a mixed reception. The film’s opening is notable for its strong debut, despite the critical reception, suggesting that Marvel’s audience base remains loyal. However, the sustainability of this performance may be challenged by the mixed reviews, particularly if they lead to a decline in audience satisfaction.
The Future of Captain America: Brave New World
The Potential for a Negative Word-of-Mouth Affecting the Second Weekend
The second weekend box office performance of Captain America: Brave New World could be heavily influenced by negative word-of-mouth. With many critics highlighting the film’s narrative and character development issues, the audience’s decision to return to theaters or recommend the film to friends may be significantly impacted. This sentiment is reflected in the CinemaScore grade of B-, which marks the lowest MCU score to date. While the B- grade indicates a mixed reception, it is important to note that audience dissatisfaction is a critical factor in determining long-term financial success, particularly for a franchise as large as the MCU.
The Implications of Anthony Mackie’s Comments on Raising Boys and Masculinity
The Actor’s Take on Modern Masculinity
Anthony Mackie, who portrays Sam Wilson in Captain America: Brave New World, recently made comments about the state of masculinity and the challenges of raising boys. Mackie’s perspective on modern masculinity, as portrayed in the film, is nuanced, reflecting a broader societal debate. His comments suggest a desire to redefine traditional masculinity, a theme that is interwoven into the narrative of the film. Mackie’s character, Sam Wilson, faces his own challenges in balancing his role as Captain America with his personal life and the expectations placed upon him as a symbol of American patriotism.
His statements align with broader efforts to redefine masculinity in media, particularly within superhero films. The portrayal of masculinity in the MCU, and especially in Captain America: Brave New World, is a topic of ongoing discussion, with many fans and critics alike closely observing how these themes are developed and resolved.
The Role of Captain America as a Symbol of Masculinity and Patriotism
The implications of Mackie’s comments extend beyond the film’s narrative to its cultural impact. Captain America, originally a symbol of traditional American values and masculinity, has evolved under Mackie’s portrayal to embody a more complex and inclusive vision of patriotism and heroism. This evolution is critical to understanding the film’s reception and its place in the MCU. The film’s treatment of masculinity and patriotism could influence how audiences perceive the character and the overall franchise, potentially setting a precedent for future MCU projects.
Moreover, the mixed critical reception and CinemaScore grade suggest that while the audience acknowledges the film’s attempts to redefine these concepts, they may not fully embrace the approach taken. This tension between critical reception and audience sentiment underscores the challenges in reimagining iconic characters within the MCU, especially when it comes to themes as sensitive as masculinity and patriotism.
Conclusion
Anthony Mackie’s candid comments on raising boys in today’s climate spark a critical conversation about the evolving definition of masculinity. He challenges the notion that traditional notions of manhood are under attack, arguing instead that they are simply being redefined. The article explores this complex issue, highlighting the pressures faced by young men grappling with changing societal expectations and the need to embrace vulnerability and emotional intelligence alongside strength. Mackie’s perspective underscores the importance of raising boys who are well-rounded individuals, capable of navigating complex emotions and relationships.
This isn’t merely a discussion about parenting styles; it’s about the future of masculinity itself. As social norms continue to shift, we must confront outdated stereotypes and create space for diverse expressions of manhood. By encouraging boys to embrace their full selves – emotionally, intellectually, and socially – we empower them to become healthier, happier, and more well-adjusted individuals. Mackie’s words serve as a powerful reminder that the evolution of masculinity isn’t about destruction, but about growth, self-awareness, and ultimately, creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
The conversation surrounding masculinity is far from over. It will continue to evolve as generations grapple with societal expectations and redefine what it means to be a man in the 21st century. Let’s listen to voices like Mackie’s, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and work together to build a future where boys can thrive, unapologetically true to themselves.
Add Comment