ENGAGING PLOT SUMMARY: In a gripping turn of events, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) betrays her team, leading Yelena (played by Florence Pugh), U.S. Agent (depicted by Wyatt Russell), Ghost (performed by Hannah John-Kamen), and Red Guardian (brought to life by David Harbour) to unite. With the valuable assistance of Bucky Barnes (played by Sebastian Stan), this unlikely ensemble confronts a looming new threat that could alter their fates forever.
CRITICAL REVIEW OF THUNDERBOLTS: The innovative marketing strategy behind Thunderbolts emphasizes its distinctiveness within the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe. With a budget that appears to be more modest than typical, the film intentionally minimizes explosive action scenes and dramatic heroics. This approach aims to create a more intimate Marvel experience that doesn’t hinge on generating a colossal box office haul of $800 million to be deemed successful. It remains to be seen whether audiences, who have become accustomed to the typical “everything including the kitchen sink” blockbuster style, will embrace this fresh perspective, but it’s commendable that the studio is willing to experiment with a different tone.
This film distinctly embodies a quieter Marvel narrative, reminiscent of the early days of the MCU following the release of the original Iron Man. The focus is heavily placed on character development rather than conventional villain arcs, culminating in a surprisingly cerebral and thought-provoking climax. While these elements are refreshing and offer a unique viewing experience, viewers must still navigate through extensive exposition that connects the film to the larger franchise narrative. With much of the cast already confirmed for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, this film serves more as a setup for exciting future events rather than standing strong on its own. Hence, while its old-school Marvel charm is both a blessing and a challenge, it echoes the essence of earlier films like Iron Man 2 and Thor and feels more like a teaser for forthcoming narratives.
Nevertheless, Thunderbolts shines through the performances of its cast, particularly Florence Pugh, who embodies Yelena—a character grappling with the trauma of her sister’s loss and searching for a more meaningful existence beyond her life as a mercenary. Yelena’s internal struggles and past mistakes make her a natural fit within this group of complex anti-heroes. While the return of Sebastian Stan as the Winter Soldier is generating considerable buzz, it is Wyatt Russell‘s portrayal of the disgraced U.S. Agent that leaves a lasting impact. Initially distant from his teammates, his redemption arc unfolds as his past disgrace is revealed, providing some of the film’s most compelling moments alongside Yelena and Lewis Pullman as Bob, a complex character caught in Valentina’s dangerous web of experiments.
In contrast, David Harbour’s portrayal of Red Guardian injects necessary humor into the film, effectively balancing its heavier themes of trauma and recovery. His simplistic character serves as a source of comic relief amid the film’s more serious undertones. Among the ensemble, Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost has limited screen time, yet her return is a welcome addition, while Olga Kurylenko’s portrayal of Taskmaster feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking substantial presence in the narrative.
Despite the promotional material suggesting that Thunderbolts would be action-packed, I was taken aback by the relatively restrained level of carnage throughout the film. The IMAX-enhanced action sequences did not deliver the heightened intensity one might expect, resembling standard offerings seen on Disney Plus. Directed by Jake Schreier, who hails from the indie film scene, the movie possesses a quirky charm, complemented by a score from Everything Everywhere All At Once’s Son Lux. However, the claims that this film would resemble an A24-style Marvel production seem exaggerated, as while there are slight deviations from the formula, it remains firmly rooted within the Marvel framework—nothing inherently wrong with that.
In summary, Thunderbolts represents a notable improvement over the lackluster Captain America: Brave New World, although it may not live up to the transformative status some enthusiastic early reviews have touted. Typically, the initial wave of critiques for Marvel films are subject to excessive hype. Nonetheless, I found Thunderbolts to be a more enjoyable experience than many recent Marvel entries (excluding Deadpool & Wolverine), with Guardians 3 being the last truly remarkable film in recent memory. Admittedly, the standard has not been exceedingly high of late, but this film is a solid offering that may steer the franchise back toward a narrative-driven path where audiences can reinvest in new characters and rediscover beloved favorites.
