THUNDERBOLTS* -- An Emotionally Resonant and Action-Packed Debut for the MCU's Newest Team

Review by Camden Ferrell

​As fans eagerly await the next 2-part Avengers movie event that begins next year, the MCU has a few more films to get through. Before they release their highly anticipated Fantastic Four movie later this summer, they’re bringing us Thunderbolts*, a movie that nobody really asked for but one everyone will be happy got made. Even if they didn’t care about the characters going into it, viewers will leave this film with a new appreciation for them as they go on an emotional and action-packed mission with them in one of the MCU’s better efforts since Endgame.
 
Yelena Belova, John Walker, Ghost, and Taskmaster are characters with troubled pasts who are set up against each other by Valentina who has been pulling strings in her previous MCU appearances. Although they are a group of misfits who can’t seem to get along or trust each other, they are thrust into a dangerous mission alongside Bucky, Red Guardian, and the enigmatic and unknown man Bob. Its setup is definitely reminiscent of the first Avengers movie back in 2012, and it really tries to nail that scrappy vibe and confrontational chemistry that these unique characters have.
 
Written by MCU veteran Eric Pearson and television veteran Joanna Calo, this movie understands that the action and spectacle are secondary to character. It’s a common complaint that some of the later MCU entries lack substance or meaningful characterization, but this movie does it extremely well. It takes characters with established backstories and builds on them in emotionally meaningful ways. Some of these are characters that many people including myself didn’t believe needed more screen time, but this movie more than justifies their inclusion. By Marvel standards, the writing contains mature themes that feel impactful and natural to the overall narrative of the movie.  I think even the harshest critics will feel like this movie proves that Marvel still knows how to flesh out characters especially when the franchise is in desperate need of rejuvenation and direction.

Almost all of these characters have shown up previously in the MCU, and they all more or less bring the same energy to their performances as before. To no one’s surprise, Florence Pugh is an utter natural that holds this misfit team together, and she plays off of her ensemble extremely well. It was quite interesting to see characters like Ghost and John Walker have a more natural rapport and banter with their team which is something we didn’t see much off in their original appearances. Lewis Pullman makes his MCU debut as Bob and while most people know where his character is headed, I’ll just remain coy for those who want to remain in the dark before seeing it. Suffice it to say that he’s a great addition to this movie and does justice to his character that will make Marvel fans very satisfied.
 
While they don’t have God powers, gamma powers, or billion-dollar flying suits, this movie still manages to deliver some truly riveting action and combat. It’s mostly hand-to-hand combat, but it never feels stale. The fight choreography is creative and uses the power set limitations as an identifying feature not a bug. This is paired with some great cinematography from Andrew Droz Palermo and an intense score from Son Lux. This movie does have brief flashes of lethargy, but this is usually corrected quickly.
 
Thunderbolts* is a fun time that will give audiences new hope in the future of the MCU. It takes previously seen characters and breathes new life and enthusiasm into them while also showcasing some of the MCU’s best writing in recent memory. Like any good MCU movie, it’s going to please seasoned comic book readers and novices alike, and it does a good job at mostly filling in the blanks for those who may have skipped a few movies or shows.
 
Thunderbolts* is in theaters May 2.
 
Rating: 4/5