Captain America: Civil War review: How does it impact Infinity War?

Credit: Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Pictures; from Captain America: Civil War (2016)

What didn’t work?

Seeing as how much I really liked Civil War, it’s challenging coming up with flaws without sounding like I’m nitpicking (from the “Nerdy Nitpicks” guy, no less). I could mention how Zemo doesn’t wear his signature purple baklava, Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) is too young, or how Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie) apparently doesn’t know how to count. Yet there is one which, while it doesn’t ruin the film, certainly called into question the question of taking risks. I’m talking, of course, about the crippling of James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle). Quite frankly, he should’ve died.

True, the fracturing of his spine and losing his ability to walk does show real consequence. It also isn’t the point of no return as far as the conflict between the conflict over registration goes, though it’s pretty close. The real problem is once Rhodey slams into the ground after all falling several thousand feet, only to still be alive, all the tension evaporates. At that moment, you know there are boundaries the film, and the MCU, will not cross.

Another glaring flaw is the romantic subplot between Steve and Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp). While it does stem from The Winter Soldier, it feels oddly out-of-place compared with everything else. The proof of this is once Steve and Sharon kiss, that’s the last we ever see of her. Besides, Steve macking on the niece of the love of his life (Hayley Atwell) a mere day after the funeral of said love of his life feels just wrong on so many levels.

I’d also say that Zemo’s master plan does require some leaps in logic to work. You could even make an argument how the debate over the “Sokova Accords” takes a backseat to Cap protecting a known ex-Soviet assassin from the authorities. Even so, when you watch Civil War for the first time, or several times, such apparent flaws are still easy to overlook.