5 Things About ‘Captain Marvel’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

‘Captain Marvel’ (2019) burst onto the Marvel Cinematic Universe scene as the first film led by a female superhero, Carol Danvers, played by Brie Larson. Set in the 1990s, it dives into her origin story, blending cosmic action with nostalgic vibes. The movie balances a lot—introducing a powerful hero, tying into the broader MCU, and delivering a mix of humor and heart.

Some moments in the film hit the mark perfectly, while others left me scratching my head. Below, I break down five things that didn’t quite add up and five that worked like a charm, alternating between the two. Let’s dive into what made ‘Captain Marvel’ soar and stumble.

Instant Power Mastery Made Zero Sense

Carol Danvers gains her powers from a Kree device explosion, absorbing energy that makes her incredibly strong. But she masters these abilities almost instantly, blasting photon shots and flying with ease by the end. Most superheroes, like Spider-Man or Iron Man, struggle to control their powers at first. Carol’s quick leap to god-level skill feels rushed and unrealistic for someone with no training.

This rapid growth skips the learning curve that makes hero journeys relatable. Even a few scenes of her stumbling or practicing would have grounded her arc. Instead, she’s a pro in no time, which weakens the stakes and makes her victories feel too easy.

Nick Fury and Carol’s Chemistry Made Perfect Sense

The dynamic between Carol and a young Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson, is a standout. Their banter, filled with quick wit and warmth, feels natural and fun. Fury’s lighter, less jaded side shines through, making their partnership a joy to watch.

This connection grounds the film’s cosmic chaos in human moments. Whether they’re trading jabs or teaming up to uncover secrets, their bond adds heart. Jackson’s charm and Larson’s confidence make their scenes some of the movie’s best, setting up Fury’s future in the MCU beautifully.

Goose’s Flerken Powers Made Zero Sense

Goose, the adorable cat, turns out to be a Flerken, a creature that can sprout tentacles and swallow entire groups of enemies. It’s a fun twist, but how does a small cat-like body hold multiple people inside it? The film never explains this bizarre ability or why Goose can do it so effortlessly.

This lack of clarity makes Goose’s powers feel like a convenient plot device. A hint about Flerken biology or limits would have helped. Instead, it’s played for laughs, leaving me wondering how such a wild concept fits without any grounding.

The 1990s Nostalgia Made Perfect Sense

The film’s 1990s setting is a brilliant touch, weaving in Blockbuster stores, dial-up internet, and a killer soundtrack with bands like No Doubt and Nirvana. This retro vibe isn’t just for show—it grounds Carol’s human side as she rediscovers her past on Earth. The music and cultural nods add humor and charm.

This choice makes the film stand out in the MCU’s timeline. It feels fresh, blending alien battles with familiar earthly details. The nostalgic elements tie perfectly into Carol’s journey, making her story more relatable and fun.

Kree Inaction on Earth Made Zero Sense

After Carol defects from the Kree, they know she’s on Earth and has immense power. Yet, they make no effort to pursue her or attack Earth to neutralize her as a threat. For a warlike empire obsessed with control, this feels oddly passive and out of character.

This gap in logic leaves their motives unclear. A single line about why they don’t chase her—like fearing her power or focusing elsewhere—would have fixed this. Instead, the Kree’s inaction feels like a plot hole that weakens their threat.

Carol’s Friendship with Maria Rambeau Made Perfect Sense

Carol’s bond with Maria Rambeau, played by Lashana Lynch, is a heartfelt anchor. Their shared history as Air Force pilots, shown through flashbacks, feels authentic and deep. Maria’s support helps Carol rediscover her humanity, grounding her cosmic journey.

This friendship adds emotional weight, showing Carol’s strength through her connections. Lynch’s warm performance and their quiet moments, like reminiscing over old photos, make their bond a highlight. It’s a reminder that even superheroes need friends.

Fury’s Trust in Goose Made Zero Sense

Nick Fury, a cautious S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, sees Goose reveal terrifying Flerken powers, like eating enemies with tentacles. Yet, he quickly treats Goose like a regular pet, even keeping him in his office. This blind trust feels off for someone as paranoid as Fury.

This choice clashes with Fury’s sharp instincts, later shown in films like ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014). A wary reaction or a line about why he trusts Goose would have made sense. Instead, it feels forced to fit the MCU’s timeline.

The Skrull Twist Made Perfect Sense

The reveal that the Skrulls, initially framed as villains, are actually refugees fleeing Kree oppression is a bold and effective twist. It flips the narrative, adding depth to the conflict. Ben Mendelsohn’s Talos, with his mix of humor and desperation, makes this shift compelling.

This twist ties into the MCU’s theme of questioning assumptions, seen in films like ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014). It gives the Skrulls a relatable motive, making Carol’s choice to help them feel earned and impactful.

Coulson’s Blind Loyalty Made Zero Sense

Agent Coulson, played by Clark Gregg, is a rookie in this film, yet he lets Fury and Carol escape despite suspecting they’re tied to an alien threat. For a new S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, this feels reckless and out of character, especially given the agency’s strict protocols.

A moment of doubt or a reason for his trust, like a gut instinct, could have justified this. Instead, Coulson’s choice feels like a plot convenience to keep the story moving, undermining his role as a by-the-book agent.

Carol’s Resilience Made Perfect Sense

Carol’s unyielding determination, shown through flashbacks of her standing up after failures—like crashing a go-kart or struggling in training—is the heart of her character. Brie Larson captures this grit, making Carol a believable hero who fights through doubt and fear.

This trait makes her journey inspiring, especially as she breaks free from Kree control. Her refusal to stay down echoes the MCU’s best heroes, like Steve Rogers in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011). It’s a simple but powerful message that resonates.

What’s your take on ‘Captain Marvel’—any moments that puzzled you or felt spot-on? Share your thoughts in the comments!