Thunderbolts*: Review

Marvel’s cinematic universe has grown exponentially over the years, bringing fans a sprawling tapestry of heroes, villains, and complex story arcs. Amidst this vast landscape, the movie Thunderbolts* arrives as a fresh breath of air—a film that doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel but instead offers a straightforward, enjoyable superhero team-up with a remarkable cast. Directed by Jake Schreier and featuring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and others, Thunderbolts* premiered in cinemas on May 2, presenting a story that balances human-scale drama with the excitement of superhero action.

Introduction to Thunderbolts*: A Reset for Marvel Fans

For many Marvel fans, the recent years have brought increasingly complex narratives, with countless films and series intertwining in a sometimes exhausting shared universe. Thunderbolts* stands out by taking a tangent from these convoluted plots, focusing instead on a smaller, more intimate group of characters with their own struggles and motivations. This approach makes the movie accessible not only to die-hard Marvel enthusiasts but also to casual viewers who might feel overwhelmed by the franchise’s intricate web.

While it might not have the grand ambitions or epic scale of some previous Marvel blockbusters, Thunderbolts* succeeds by delivering a solid, enjoyable film that feels honest and unpretentious. It’s a movie that embraces the “rice and beans”  philosophy: a simple, well-seasoned dish that satisfies without gimmicks or unnecessary complexity.

The Core Team: Characters and Dynamics

At the heart of Thunderbolts* is a group of flawed, diverse characters who come together under unusual circumstances, each with their own baggage and motivations.

Yelena, the Weary Black Widow

Florence Pugh’s Yelena, a character grappling with the loss of her sister—the incomparable Black Widow—is the emotional centerpiece of the film. Yelena’s journey is one of apathy and exhaustion. She is tired of the “dirty missions” that her handler, Valentina (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), assigns her. These covert operations have left her disillusioned and searching for meaning.

Yelena’s desire for more public-facing missions is a key driver of the plot. She seeks to rekindle a sense of vitality and purpose, which sets off a chain of events leading to the formation of the Thunderbolts team. This nuanced portrayal of a superhero struggling with burnout adds depth to the character and grounds the film in relatable human emotion.

John Walker and Alexei Shostakov: Broken Heroes

Wyatt Russell reprises his role as John Walker, the controversial Captain America who failed to live up to expectations. His presence in the film is significant, as it highlights themes of redemption and the struggle to find one’s place after public disgrace.

Alongside him is Alexei Shostakov, the Red Guardian, portrayed by David Harbour. Once a formidable superhero, Alexei is now a shadow of his former self, living a miserable life driving a limousine and facing personal decline. The interactions between these two characters add layers of complexity, showing the human cost of heroism and the fallibility of those we often idolize.

Eva Star, Ghost, and the Enigmatic Bob

The film also introduces Eva Star, known as Ghost (played by Hannah John-Kamen), whose mysterious and ghostly abilities add an intriguing edge to the team. But perhaps the most fascinating new character is Bob, a man with no memory of how he ended up in the team or even where he came from, wearing what looks like hospital pajamas.

Bob is unique among the group because he lacks any extraordinary abilities. He is often dependent on Yelena’s help to navigate the dangerous situations they face. His vulnerability and confusion provide a fresh dynamic, emphasizing that heroism isn’t solely about powers but also about courage and perseverance.

The Plot: Missions, Intrigue, and Team Formation

The narrative of Thunderbolts* centers around a secret mission assigned by Valentina, who is intent on cleaning up the corruption and abuse of power she has left behind over the years. This task forces Yelena and the others into a clandestine mountain facility, where they must work together despite their differences and initial distrust.

The film follows a classic superhero trope of reluctant allies banding together to face a common threat. However, what makes Thunderbolts* stand out is the chemistry among the cast and the grounded, human approach to their interactions. The team’s formation feels organic, driven by necessity rather than forced camaraderie, which makes the characters’ eventual cooperation more believable and rewarding.

Bucky Barnes: The Watchful Congressman

Adding another layer to the story is Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, now a congressman keeping a close eye on Valentina’s machinations. His attempts to recruit Valentina’s personal assistant, played by Geraldine Viswanathan, inject political intrigue and a sense of oversight into the plot, hinting at larger consequences beyond the immediate missions.

Direction and Style: Jake Schreier’s Approach

Director Jake Schreier brings a fresh perspective to the Marvel universe with Thunderbolts*. Known for his earlier work on the film Robot and Frank (2012) and his direction of episodes in the series Beef, Schreier approaches the material with dedication and a lack of pretension.

One of the film’s strengths is its sense of joy and organic storytelling, which has been somewhat missing in recent Marvel installments. The screenplay may have its flaws and not be groundbreaking, but it functions well within its scope, delivering an efficient and engaging narrative.

The movie’s structure, divided almost like chapters—focusing on Yelena’s story, then the secret chamber, and so on—helps maintain pacing and clarity, making the experience smoother for the audience.

Action Scenes: Human Scale and Impact

Unlike some Marvel films that feature massive, city-wide destruction, Thunderbolts* respects a more human scale in its action sequences. The fight scenes and set pieces feel grounded, with a touch of innocence and charm that recalls the early days of superhero cinema.

This approach not only makes the action more relatable but also allows the characters’ personal stakes to shine through without being overshadowed by CGI spectacles. The film strikes a balance between spectacle and storytelling, which many fans will appreciate.

Introducing Sentry: A Darker, More Complex Power

For those unfamiliar with the character, the film’s introduction of Sentinel is a notable highlight and a bit of a spoiler. Sentinel is portrayed as an ultra-powerful figure akin to Homelander from The Boys, but with a twist: he suffers from deep depression.

This darker, more psychologically complex take on a super-powered character is relatively new territory for Marvel and adds an intriguing layer to the film’s exploration of heroism and power. It’s a bold move that pays off, offering a fresh perspective that differentiates Thunderbolts* from other superhero movies.

Why Thunderbolts* Works: The Magic of Simplicity and Great Casting

At its core, Thunderbolts* succeeds because it knows what it is and doesn’t try to be more than that. It’s a straightforward superhero ensemble movie, with a cast that brings charm, depth, and authenticity to their roles.

The performances by Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Wyatt Russell, Sebastian Stan, and Geraldine Viswanathan are standout elements that elevate the film. Their chemistry and commitment make the characters relatable and the story engaging.

Moreover, the film’s willingness to embrace a simpler, more human approach to superhero storytelling is refreshing. Sometimes, a well-executed “rice and beans” film is exactly what audiences need—a reliable, satisfying meal that leaves you content.

Conclusion: A Welcome Addition to the Marvel Universe

Thunderbolts* may not be the most ambitious or groundbreaking Marvel film, but it offers a welcome reset. Its focus on character-driven storytelling, grounded action, and a stellar cast makes it a delightful addition to the superhero genre.

For viewers fatigued by the overwhelming complexity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this film provides an accessible and enjoyable experience. It’s a reminder that sometimes, simplicity combined with genuine performances and a touch of heart can create something truly memorable.

Whether you are a longtime Marvel fan or a casual moviegoer, Thunderbolts* is worth checking out for its honest take on heroism, its intriguing characters, and its refreshing tone.