5 Things That Still Don’t Make Sense About Captain America: Civil War

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Captain America: Civil War is frequently lauded as one of the finest movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, acclaimed for its intricate themes, exhilarating action sequences, and skillful management of a diverse cast. This blend could have potentially resulted in a dilution of the film’s primary theme. Nevertheless, despite overwhelming appreciation from both fans and critics, the movie has certain aspects that seem somewhat unraveled upon closer scrutiny. Although the core emotional confrontation between Tony and Steve is robust, some plotlines and character decisions generate more questions than they resolve. From a villain plot that appears strangely coincidental to an unexpected choice made by a character, here are five points that remain somewhat enigmatic.

1. Zemo’s Flawlessly Executed Plan

The entire plan by Helmut Zemo to break up the Avengers relies on an astonishing combination of factors falling into place, each one as improbable as the next. His strategy includes Bucky Barnes being falsely accused for a bombing, the Avengers arguing over the Sokovia Accords, and both Tony Stark and Steve Rogers happening to be at the same hidden Hydra base in Siberia simultaneously – an incredible string of lucky breaks that not even Zemo himself could have foreseen with absolute certainty.

The main objective was for him to expose the truth behind Tony Stark’s parents’ demise, aiming to dismantle the Avengers covertly. However, there was no assurance that the video evidence showing Bucky as the culprit would still exist or be recoverable. His strategy demanded a degree of strategic thinking and manipulation beyond what a typical vengeful individual with an old record could manage. It appears more like a plot device for a screenplay that requires quite a bit of faith, rather than a genuinely probable scenario.

The Absence of Thor and Hulk

In simpler terms, the main struggle in the movie seems more like a small disagreement rather than a full-blown civil war, given that two key team members, Thor and Hulk, are conspicuously absent. The story explains that Thor is off-planet and Hulk can’t be found, but their absence significantly weakens the plot due to the immense impact they would have on the film’s scale had they been present. Their absence transforms the conflict from a world-shaking crisis to a dispute among friends who just happen to possess extraordinary powers.

If Thor and Hulk had been part of it, the entire scenario would’ve played out differently. Given that they are a Norse deity and an indomitable rage beast respectively, one might question if the Sokovia Accords could have any bearing on them at all. Would Tony Stark have attempted to persuade them to comply? Their involvement would have led to a much more intense confrontation, but the movie avoids this by excluding them from the equation, which strains credulity.

Ant-Man’s Reckless Decision

In the movie, Scott Lang, who strives to maintain a law-abiding life due to his past and to be an exemplary father to his daughter, Cassie, surprises us with a puzzling decision. Aware that disobeying the Sokovia Accords would lead to him being declared a fugitive and landing back in prison (once more), thereby risking his bond with Cassie, he nonetheless eagerly accepts Captain America’s invitation for a massive confrontation against the government.

Although it’s evident that he deeply respects Captain America, it represents a significant risk to both his moral principles and deep affection for his daughter, considering his unwavering commitment to her. The repercussions of this choice – ending up on the Raft – indicate his concerns were validated. His action appears less like a selfless heroic act and more like an unfortunate miscalculation, taking into account his past experience of incarceration and desire to maintain contact with his child.

Tony’s Inability to Understand Bucky’s Brainwashing and Torture

When Tony Stark watches the video showing the Winter Soldier killing his parents, his fury overwhelms his intelligence. Although he’d previously met and battled Bucky in the film, knowing that he was a brainwashed assassin without choice for many years, this knowledge vanishes from Tony’s mind upon learning that Bucky was responsible for his parents’ deaths. In this moment, his rational thinking – which acknowledges Bucky had no control – is overpowered by his intense emotional pain.

In simpler terms, Tony considers Bucky’s actions without taking into account his past traumas and manipulation by HYDRA, focusing solely on the outcome rather than the circumstances. The film emphasizes this emotional impact over a more reasonable response from a character like Tony who typically demonstrates more thoughtful decision-making.

The Forgotten Super Soldier Serum

In essence, Zemo’s objective revolves around locating and eliminating the surviving Winter Soldiers, a pursuit linked to the Super-Soldier Serum they were given. However, the movie fails to delve deeply into the origin of this serum. We know that Howard Stark was attempting to recreate Dr. Erskine’s formula, but it remains unclear in the film whether the serum shown is the same one used on Captain America or an entirely different variant. Furthermore, it’s puzzling why Hydra continues to experiment with this serum in the present day.

In the movie, the serum serves as a basic plot device to move the story along, but its specific characteristics are not clearly defined. Although it’s portrayed as a potent and dangerous power source that enhances soldiers with super strength, the reasons behind its uniqueness or its exact properties remain a mystery. As a result, the central struggle regarding the serum fails to resonate deeply with viewers because its significance is not thoroughly explained or emphasized.

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2025-08-22 03:10