For the last couple of years, the general vibe surrounding a new release from the MCU is "it will never be as good as End Game". In the case of a new Captain America flick, the looming elephant in that corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the fantastic action and suspense that the Russo Brothers pulled off with Captain America: The Winter Soldier. As a Marvel offering, Captain America: Brave New World does not manage the gigantic thrills of the closing chapters of the Avenger saga or surpass what the previous Captain America movies. Even so, the new film, which just hit theaters this Friday, manages to bring solid-needs to be seen on a big screen- entertainment and a general feeling that things are on the upswing for Marvel Studios.

If you hit mute on all the noise around the making of the film and don't give too much thought to the fact that there are seven credited screenwriters, Brave New World confirms that Anthony Mackie deserves to be in leading roles and makes great use of his time behind the shield. He does more here with a limited amount of time and material than all the episodes in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.  This film also makes good on Harrison Ford's stunt casting as the inevitable Red Hulk to be President Thaddaeus Ross. Ford could have easily pulled a Marlon Brando, cashed his check and done the role in his sleep. But the actor is invested in his character's arc and the film makes good use of him before the inevitable digitally enhanced climax that's been alluded to in the film's publicity.

And while it might not be of any use to talk about trailers and tv spots in a film's review, the fact that the reveal was not saved for the release does contribute to the production's great lack of dramatic tension. Director Julious Onah does a good job in crafting action sequences that highlight how Sam Wilson is a different kind of action hero. The same is done for Danny Ramirez in the role of Joaquin Torres who brings some much-needed levity and charisma to a movie that mixes elements of The Manchurian Candidate and Frankenstein.

"Don't be boring" yells out the film's secret villain, that serves up more as a device for the Ross Red Hulk transformation and to tie up loose ends from more forgettable Marvel offerings. It's a rare moment where the filmmakers might be talking to themselves. And in that regard, the movie is a success. There's literally never a dull moment and the inklings of a better picture, with some scenes with Mackie and Ford, land just right. Even so, every story choice is safe and predictable and the after credits scenes an obligatory tease instead of a truly exciting one. Even though the days of Marvel movies being an event might be over, the highly entertaining and effective Captain America: Brave New World feels like a step up.

Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World is now playing in theaters.