Thunderbolts* Movie Review: Is It Top-Tier Marvel?!

Thunderbolts* feels like a return to form for Marvel, offering up ground-level action and character growth, while weaving in something new and fresh.

Thunderbolts* is a return to form for Marvel in terms of ground-level action, but still finds a way to deliver on something unique that we have yet to see. The dynamic between this incredible cast works brilliantly, as they poke fun at each other while bonding and getting to know one another.

This movie explores mental health in a way that all viewers will be able to relate to. These people have done bad things, they have been through a lot, and they are not okay. Marvel is unafraid to put this at the forefront of their film in a respectful and honest manner, and Thunderbolts* is practically perfect because of it.

It is very rare that the mental health of heroes – or even anti-heroes – is showcased on screen, but that is the overarching theme of Thunderbolts*. Bob, who everyone knows is Sentry, suffers from depression. Anyone who has read the comic books knows this, but I promise you that it is not a spoiler if you have not read them.

Because of this, things get very dark for him, very quickly. While everyone on the “team” can relate, it is Yelena Belova who takes him under her wing. She has been abused and forced to do awful things ever since she was a young girl, so she can relate to having big feelings and not knowing how to deal with them.

These two truly are the heart of Thunderbolts*. Don’t get me wrong, everyone in the main cast is incredible, and they all have their time to shine, bringing something to the table. At the center of the film, though, is Yelena and Bob’s relationship. Her want – no, her need – to protect him at all costs shines through, and it brings with it a lot of the more emotional moments of the movie.

From John Walker’s guarded personality, to Red Guardian’s excitement and humor, to Bucky’s experience, to Ghost’s strong exterior, to Yelena’s vulnerability, and Bob’s innocence, the Thunderbolts* might not seem like a good team on paper, but they have more in common than you might think.

This team is fun. And it is even more fun to watch them in action. They are all great at what they do, even if that means they are great at covert operations and not being afraid to walk that gray area line. Thunderbolts* has some of the best Marvel action sequences that we have seen in a while, with CG that is on point and looks pretty darn fantastic.

There is just enough humor sprinkled throughout to deliver the comedic relief that is needed to get through such a dark and heavy movie. Watching Thunderbolts* brought back feelings of watching the first Avengers film. There is a lot of ground-level action taking place in New York, and sometimes within the old Avengers Tower. And on top of that, this team must start to get to know each other and trust one another.

Besides the fact that they all have dark and questionable pasts, they have something else in common – Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. While I refuse to dive into detail about her role in this movie, just know that Julia Louis-Dreyfus absolutely nails the character.

Fans are sure to be happy with the payoff after lots of set-up throughout multiple Marvel projects. I see her as the MCU’s Norman Osborn, and, while I would love for him to pop up in the future, I am perfectly happy with her sitting in his place for now.

As for her assistant Mel? Well, I have a feeling she is going to be sticking around as well.

I can honestly say that after watching Thunderbolts*, I am more excited about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe than I have been in a while. This is the kickstart that we have needed. It finally feels like there is a solid direction where things are heading, instead of just creatives throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks.

I could not be any happier with this movie. It is the perfect blend of humor, action, and relatable themes. We can all relate to having a dark side. The important thing is to know that we are surrounded by those who can help us through the dark times and that we are not alone. This lesson is something special, and I glad that Marvel put it up there on the big screen for everyone to see.

As with all Marvel movies, don’t even think about leaving the theater until the light comes on. There is a mid-credit and post-credit scene in Thunderbolts*. The mid-credit scene is a fun, silly scene that I am happy is there, but it means nothing for the future. The post-credit scene, however, is going to blow your mind and is insanely important for what is to come in the MCU. I, for one, cannot freaking wait.

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About Thunderbolts*

In Thunderbolts* Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes—Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker. After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. Will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite as something much more before it’s too late?

The film directed by Jack Schreier and story by Eric Pearson stars Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, and Sebastian Stan. 

Thunderbolts* comes to theaters on May 2.

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Thunderbolts* is not just the best Marvel movie in a while, it is top-tier Marvel. With the grounded feel of the original Avengers mixed with the fact that it is unafraid to get dark, this is what fans have been waiting for.

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