5 Things About ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011) kicks off the journey of Steve Rogers, a scrawny kid from Brooklyn who becomes the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first super-soldier. Directed by Joe Johnston, the film blends World War II action with comic book flair, introducing Chris Evans as the iconic hero alongside a strong cast like Hayley Atwell and Tommy Lee Jones.

I enjoyed the movie’s retro vibe and heartfelt moments, but some parts left me scratching my head, while others felt spot-on for the story. Below, I explore five elements that didn’t quite add up and five that hit the mark, alternating between the two to show the film’s mix of stumbles and successes.

HYDRA’s Advanced Weapons Made Zero Sense

HYDRA, led by Johann Schmidt, uses energy weapons powered by the Tesseract that feel out of place in a World War II setting. These glowing, disintegrating blasters look like something from a futuristic sci-fi movie, not the 1940s, and no one in the film seems surprised by them. It’s hard to believe soldiers wouldn’t question such advanced technology in an era of rifles and tanks.

The film doesn’t explain how HYDRA developed these weapons so far beyond the era’s technology. Even with the Tesseract’s power, the leap from standard firearms to energy beams feels like a plot convenience to make HYDRA seem more threatening, but it breaks the historical immersion.

Steve Rogers’ Transformation Made Perfect Sense

Steve’s change from a frail, determined underdog to a powerful super-soldier is the heart of the film and feels completely believable. Chris Evans, with help from impressive visual effects, sells the pre-serum Steve as a scrappy but noble guy who never gives up. The super-soldier serum, created by Dr. Abraham Erskine, amplifies his inner strength, making his physical upgrade a natural extension of his character.

The process itself, involving Vita-Rays and a high-tech chamber, is grounded in the film’s comic book logic. I found it easy to buy into because the story emphasizes Steve’s heart over his muscles, making his transformation both thrilling and emotionally satisfying.

Red Skull’s Sudden Disappearance Made Zero Sense

Johann Schmidt, played by Hugo Weaving, meets a strange fate when he handles the Tesseract and gets seemingly teleported away in a beam of light. The film doesn’t explain what happens to him, leaving his end ambiguous and unsatisfying. For a major villain, this feels like a cop-out rather than a proper defeat.

This moment also clashes with the Tesseract’s role as a powerful but mysterious artifact. If it can just zap someone out of existence, why doesn’t it do that more often? The lack of clarity around Red Skull’s exit left me confused and wanting a more grounded resolution.

Peggy Carter’s Role Made Perfect Sense

Hayley Atwell’s portrayal of Peggy Carter as a tough, capable agent is a standout. As a woman in the 1940s military, she faces sexism but proves her worth through intelligence and bravery, making her a perfect partner for Steve. Her role as a Strategic Scientific Reserve agent feels authentic to the era while showing her strength.

Peggy’s chemistry with Steve grounds the film’s emotional core. Their subtle romance, built on mutual respect, adds depth to both characters. I loved how she’s not just a love interest but a key player in the fight against HYDRA, making her presence feel essential.

Steve’s Dry Clothes After Water Rescue Made Zero Sense

In one scene, Steve pulls a HYDRA agent out of the water and climbs onto a dock, but both characters are inexplicably dry. Their clothes show no signs of being soaked, and no water drips onto the ground. For a film that pays attention to period details, this oversight feels jarring.

This mistake breaks the realism of the moment. Steve’s super-soldier abilities don’t include instant drying, and the agent isn’t enhanced at all. It’s a small but noticeable flaw that pulled me out of the story, wondering how the filmmakers missed it.

The Howling Commandos’ Teamwork Made Perfect Sense

The Howling Commandos, Steve’s diverse squad of soldiers, bring camaraderie and action to the film. Led by Steve and including Bucky Barnes, Dum Dum Dugan, and others, they form a tight-knit unit that takes on HYDRA’s bases. Their mix of skills and personalities feels like a natural fit for a war movie.

I enjoyed how the film shows them working together, each member contributing something unique, like Gabe Jones’ radio skills or Jacques Dernier’s explosives expertise. Their loyalty to Steve and their believable bond make their missions exciting and rooted in the story’s wartime setting.

The Tesseract’s Vague Powers Made Zero Sense

The Tesseract, a glowing cube central to HYDRA’s plans, has powers that are never clearly defined. It fuels weapons, powers vehicles, and somehow teleports Red Skull, but the film doesn’t explain its limits or rules. This vagueness makes it feel like a plot device that does whatever the story needs.

Without a clear understanding of what the Tesseract can do, its role as the film’s MacGuffin feels hollow. I found it frustrating that such a key element was left so ambiguous, making HYDRA’s plans harder to take seriously.

Howard Stark’s Involvement Made Perfect Sense

Dominic Cooper’s portrayal of Howard Stark, Tony Stark’s father, fits perfectly into the film’s world. As a brilliant inventor, he creates Steve’s iconic shield and supports the super-soldier program. His charm and ingenuity echo his son’s traits, tying the film to the broader Marvel universe.

Howard’s role as a key ally feels natural, especially since he’s part of the Strategic Scientific Reserve. His contributions, like the vibranium shield, are practical and grounded in the story, making his presence both logical and a fun nod to ‘Iron Man’.

Steve’s Quick Mastery of Combat Made Zero Sense

After receiving the super-soldier serum, Steve goes from a scrawny civilian to a expert fighter almost instantly. The film shows him training briefly, but he’s soon performing complex combat moves and leading missions like a seasoned soldier. This rapid skill gain feels unrealistic, even with his enhanced physique.

The serum boosts strength and speed, but combat expertise requires experience and practice, which Steve doesn’t have time to develop. I found it hard to believe he could take on HYDRA’s trained forces so effortlessly without more groundwork.

The Film’s 1940s Setting Made Perfect Sense

The choice to set the film during World War II is a masterstroke. It captures the era’s look with detailed costumes, props, and settings, like the Brooklyn streets and the Stark Expo. This period backdrop makes Steve’s patriotism and underdog spirit shine, grounding his heroism in a real historical conflict.

The retro aesthetic, inspired by films like ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, gives the movie a unique flavor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I loved how it blends comic book action with a wartime adventure vibe, making the story feel both epic and authentic.

What’s your take on ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’—which moments confused you or felt just right? Drop your thoughts in the comments!