Captain America: Brave New World is nominally a political thriller in which the new Captain America (Anthony Mackie, taking over the role from a retired Chris Evans) must uncover a conspiracy to mind-control soldiers and embarrass the newly named President of the United States, Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford, filling in for the late William Hurt).

Anthony Mackie is sidelined by his own starring vehicle in “Captain America: Brave New World,” which has its moments. But too few.

Brave New World” introduces a Black Captain America to the big screen. In doing so, it doesn’t shy away from exploring the complex legacy Black Americans have with the flag.