5 Things About ‘Captain America: Civil War’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016) is a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, delivering a thrilling clash of heroes that splits the Avengers into rival factions. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, it dives into the emotional and ideological divide between Steve Rogers and Tony Stark, pulling in a massive cast of characters like Black Panther and Spider-Man. The film’s intense action and character-driven drama make it a fan favorite, but not every moment lands perfectly. Some elements shine with clarity, while others leave you scratching your head.

I’m diving into five things about the movie that made no sense and five that felt spot-on, alternating between the two. This isn’t about tearing the film apart—it’s about exploring what clicked and what stumbled in this ambitious superhero showdown. Let’s break it down.

Made Zero Sense: Tony Stark Recruiting Spider-Man

Tony Stark, wracked with guilt over a young man’s death in Sokovia, decides to drag Peter Parker, a teenage hero, into a dangerous battle. It’s jarring that Tony, motivated by remorse for collateral damage, would risk a kid’s life in a high-stakes Avengers conflict. Peter’s enthusiasm as Spider-Man doesn’t justify the reckless choice, especially since Tony barely knows him. The decision feels like a plot device to introduce Spider-Man rather than a logical move for a guilt-driven character.

This inconsistency clashes with Tony’s arc of seeking accountability. Bringing a high schooler into a warzone undermines his push for oversight and responsibility. It’s a head-scratcher that leaves Tony’s moral stance feeling shaky and forced.

Made Perfect Sense: The Ideological Clash Between Steve and Tony

The core conflict—Steve Rogers’ belief in personal freedom versus Tony Stark’s push for government oversight—grounds the film in a compelling moral debate. Steve’s distrust of institutions, shaped by S.H.I.E.L.D.’s collapse in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014), makes his stance authentic. Tony’s guilt over past destruction fuels his support for the Sokovia Accords, aligning with his growth as a flawed but responsible hero.

This divide feels real because it’s rooted in their established personalities. The film doesn’t force you to pick a side but lets you see the weight of their choices, making the emotional stakes resonate deeply.

Made Zero Sense: Zemo’s Overly Complex Plan

Helmut Zemo’s scheme to tear the Avengers apart hinges on a convoluted chain of events. He bombs the UN, frames Bucky Barnes, and lures Steve and Tony to a remote base to reveal a video of Bucky killing Tony’s parents. The plan relies on perfect timing and countless variables, like Tony following Steve to Siberia or the Avengers splitting up just right. It’s hard to buy that one man could orchestrate such a precise outcome.

The complexity feels like a stretch for drama’s sake. A simpler approach, like leaking the video earlier, could’ve sparked the same conflict without the improbable domino effect.

Made Perfect Sense: Black Panther’s Introduction

T’Challa’s debut as Black Panther is a standout, seamlessly woven into the story. His quest for vengeance after his father’s death in the UN bombing gives him a personal stake, and Chadwick Boseman’s commanding performance brings depth to the role. T’Challa’s arc, from rage to restraint, feels earned and sets up his solo film beautifully.

The film uses his outsider perspective to highlight the Avengers’ flaws, making his presence both narratively and emotionally impactful. His fighting style and cultural roots add a fresh dynamic to the crowded roster.

Made Zero Sense: Hawkeye’s Sudden Return

Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, retired to live quietly with his family in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015), a choice tied to Quicksilver’s sacrifice. Yet, in ‘Civil War,’ he casually returns, joking about being bored with retirement. It’s odd that he’d risk his family’s stability and safety to join Steve’s rogue team, especially with no clear motivation beyond loyalty.

This flip feels unconvincing for a character defined by his desire for a normal life. A deeper explanation for his comeback would’ve made his choice more believable.

Made Perfect Sense: The Airport Battle Sequence

The airport showdown, where Team Cap and Team Iron Man clash, is a masterclass in action choreography. It balances spectacle with character moments, letting each hero’s abilities shine—Spider-Man’s webbing, Ant-Man’s size-shifting, and Vision’s phasing. The sequence is chaotic yet clear, with stakes that feel personal despite the scale.

Humor, like Spider-Man’s chatter, keeps the tone lively, while the fight underscores the team’s fracture without cheapening their bonds. It’s a comic book battle brought to life with precision and heart.

Made Zero Sense: Bucky’s Survival and Transformation

Bucky Barnes surviving his fall in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011) and becoming the Winter Soldier feels like a narrative convenience. HYDRA somehow finds and preserves him, turning him into a super-soldier assassin with no initial plan. The logic of his survival—falling from a train in a frozen valley—and transformation into a perfect killer stretches believability.

Without clearer reasoning, it seems like a contrived way to keep Bucky in the story. A hint at HYDRA’s motives or his unique value would’ve grounded this leap.

Made Perfect Sense: Steve and Bucky’s Bond

Steve’s unwavering loyalty to Bucky drives much of the film and feels completely authentic. Their lifelong friendship, established in earlier films, makes Steve’s refusal to abandon Bucky compelling. His willingness to defy the Accords and become a fugitive to protect his friend underscores his moral core.

This bond adds emotional weight to every choice Steve makes, from fighting Tony to shielding Bucky. It’s a human anchor in a sprawling superhero conflict, making their scenes hit hard.

Made Zero Sense: The Sokovia Accords’ Timing

The Sokovia Accords, meant to regulate the Avengers, come up suddenly after years of unchecked heroics. The world governments draft and push this complex agreement in record time, sparked by a single incident in Lagos. It’s hard to believe 117 countries could align so quickly on such a divisive issue.

The rushed timeline feels like a plot device to force the conflict. A slower buildup, referencing prior Avengers fallout, would’ve made the Accords seem less abrupt.

Made Perfect Sense: Spider-Man’s Lighthearted Debut

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man bursts onto the scene with infectious energy, stealing moments in the airport battle with his quips and acrobatics. His youth and inexperience contrast the Avengers’ heavy drama, offering levity without derailing the tone. Peter’s awe at fighting alongside heroes like Captain America feels true to his character.

His brief but impactful role sets up ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017) perfectly, showing Marvel’s knack for introducing new heroes while keeping the focus on the main story.

What’s your take on ‘Captain America: Civil War’—which moments baffled you, and which ones nailed it? Drop your thoughts in the comments!