After “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), many viewers believe that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is experiencing a decline. Several films seem only to introduce new characters or concepts without focusing on the quality of the content. However, “Thunderbolts” has brought audiences back to the height of the MCU era by exploring familiar names and emphasizing the true meaning of a superhero.
The plot of “Thunderbolts” continues immediately after the events of “Captain America: Brave New World.” CIA Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) initiates Project Sentry with a group of anti-heroes to create a new superhero team to replace the Avengers. However, every failure pushes them to find a way to erase their traces. Valentina recruits a team of assassins including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Taskmaster/Antonia Dreykov (Olga Kurylenko), U.S. Agent/John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Ghost/Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen) to carry out their mission. An unintended escape for Bob (Lewis Pullman), a troubled young man, leads to a new threat for the world. The team must collaborate with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Red Guardian/Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour) to resist the dangers.
A Humorous and Darkly Charming Story
“Thunderbolts” is directed by Jake Schreier, known for the mini-series “Beef” (2023). Fans of this genre will recognize many emotional moments and familiar storytelling styles. In fact, the Thunderbolts are not your typical superheroes. They are assassins, mercenaries, and former criminals who have committed numerous heinous acts. You could say this feels like a “Guardians of the Galaxy” version on the darker side, but with characters that audiences have come to know through previous Marvel films.
The screenplay contains several humorous situations rooted in the interactions among the characters. These anti-heroes, who are meant to be dangerous, often struggle to trust one another. While they engage in combat, there are also moments of comedic relief. Many action sequences are intense yet infused with humor, steering clear of overly serious tones like many other films. The lawlessness, extreme crimes, and eccentric personalities of these characters create an engaging “anti-hero” atmosphere.
However, “Thunderbolts” is not just about humor. The film is a journey through the lives of these troubled characters. Each member of the team has a backstory filled with trauma and psychological scars. Yelena is forced to become an assassin from a young age, while Ava struggles with the consequences of her powers. Bucky is still dealing with the emotional fallout from his time as the Winter Soldier. John grapples with the mental strain of his role as Captain America. Even Bob carries the weight of his troubled past, with his guardian constantly berating him.
The film delves into the pain and trauma of these individuals, giving viewers insight into why they are so deeply flawed. Throughout the story, each character feels “lost,” unsure of their purpose in life. As they confront their pasts, they fight to protect innocent lives. The inner turmoil of each character serves as a strong connection to the audience, fostering empathy and healing.
It is evident that the film’s emotional journey is crafted with care, making it challenging to create a cohesive narrative. The pacing is brisk, keeping viewers engaged for nearly two hours. However, the plot twists can be predictable and safe. Marvel fans will likely be curious about what happens next and even what the conclusion will be, especially given the promotional content leading up to the film.
Action-Packed Performances
Despite the absence of traditional superpowers like those of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) or Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), the action sequences in “Thunderbolts” are quite impressive. The fight choreography is well-executed, showcasing Yelena’s unique fighting style and the brute strength of John Walker and Bucky. From hand-to-hand combat to elaborate battle scenes, the cinematography captures the action brilliantly, supported by a powerful soundtrack.
One can say that the film draws inspiration from the high point of MCU in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014). The familiar tactics of Bucky blend well with the larger-than-life antics of Yelena and the ethereal movements of Ghost, satisfying fans of the action genre. The film’s pacing, while not as fast as some, showcases impressive visuals and a strong narrative.
The powers of Sentry, portrayed by Lewis Pullman, stand out due to his ability to “bend reality” compared to the other anti-heroes. His character possesses incredible strength and the ability to fly, manipulating materials… The battle scenes between the two factions demonstrate a significant power disparity. The way the Thunderbolts operate contrasts sharply with Sentry’s “heroic” demeanor. Each encounter feels unique, providing a fresh experience with every fight scene.
A Talented Cast
Aside from Sentry played by Lewis Pullman, the cast of “Thunderbolts” features actors who have previously appeared in earlier MCU films. They seamlessly transition into their roles, embodying the distinct personalities of their characters. The performances of Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, Sebastian Stan, and Lewis Pullman stand out as they deliver impactful portrayals.
Florence Pugh shines as Yelena, who constantly battles her inner demons while living in the shadows of her tragic past. She carries the weight of loss and regret, particularly in her interactions with Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson). Yelena’s journey reflects her struggle to find purpose and joy amidst the chaos of her life, making her character relatable and compelling.
Beyond Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, and Hannah John-Kamen, each actor brings their moments of brilliance and distinctiveness. Collectively, the cast creates an engaging blend of humor, emotion, and a unique sense of identity.
Rating: 3.5/5
“Thunderbolts” serves as a testament that Marvel Studios can still produce compelling superhero films with depth and meaning. Rather than meandering into irrelevant themes, the film focuses on the core struggles of superheroes facing pain and the need for redemption. It offers viewers an entertaining experience while also deepening the narrative as it sets the stage for the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” next year.
