Capsule Reviews: 'Captain America: Brave New World' & 'Skincare'

by Philip Price

Captain America: Brave New World

Photo: Marvel

In an unexpected turn, the most shocking revelation in “Captain America: Brave New World” is not how bottom of the barrel bad the CGI has become, but that “The Incredible Hulk” happened almost 17 years ago and looks 1000 times better.

​As part of a cinematic universe, this feels neither cinematic nor part of a universe I’m interested in visiting. The core issue with ‘Brave New World,’ though is that the new titular Captain America isn't the most interesting character in the movie. Did I watch “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”? Yes. Do I remember any of what occurred? No. That said, I would have much preferred a government conspiracy thriller that was also a period piece in which Carl Lumbly's Isaiah Bradley was the protagonist on a mission in the thick of the Korean War. I'm not saying Anthony Mackie's Cap doesn't have the charisma to carry the feature, but Bradley is such a richly complex character it feels like so much is being left on the table.

The acting is stilted, the editing even more so, and the soundtrack isn’t cohesive with the tone at all. Harrison Ford is in this movie. Crazy, isn't it? How he adds almost nothing to it. Also, and this might be considered a spoiler, but Bucky's inclusion here that seems to exist solely to shine light on his new status within the U.S. government makes ... absolutely zero fucking sense. Additionally, the casting of Shira Haas is fascinating for many reasons, none of which trend positive. There are so many odd choices in this movie. Adamantium though, eh? Fine, I'll keep watching.

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Skincare

Photo: IFC Films

I liked what “Skincare” is going for more than what it accomplishes. It feels like a movie stuck in its first act for too long only to rush its third. If the energy, tone and momentum of the final 20 minutes were maintained more evenly, it might have allowed for more narrative propulsion (if not necessarily depth). I adore Elizabeth Banks and believe her comedic sensibilities are undervalued both here and in Hollywood in general, but music video director Austin Peters at least infuses a slick sense of style into the proceedings; it's just bad luck this released the same year as “The Substance” given it's saying so many of the same things but in a much less brazen and effective fashion.