Thunderbolts* Review
By Kevin Hoskinson
Entertainment Editor
It’s no secret that the once mighty MCU has been flailing lately. For the first ten years, it was a powerhouse, producing hit after hit and films that both audiences and critics reacted to positively. When they wrapped up The Infinity Saga with Avengers: Endgame, it left many wondering what was next and if they could keep the momentum going. The answer to that was a solid no.
I won’t lay out the highs and lows over the years; we all have our opinions about that. The truth is that Marvel Studios isn’t what it once was.. but.. if Thunderbolts* is any indication, that could all be changing for the better. The movie is the greatest hits of sorts, taking all of the things that made the first ten years so successful and meshing them together beautifully. It has excellent action set pieces, funny moments, and well-written and fleshed-out characters. Most importantly, though, it has a reason to exist and actually has something to say.
This tale of anti-heroes who must learn to work together may seem conventional on the surface, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In a way, it is because it features characters we know and a world we have seen before, but the way it’s approached is unlike anything else in the MCU. Instead of an exposition-filled mess, the story is told through emotions and rich character moments, allowing us to focus on the here and now rather than the past. We know who Yelena, Red Guardian, John Walker, Ghost, and Bucky Barnes are. We have lived with them all these years and know what they have done, and the movie trusts its audience enough to know that. Even if you know nothing about them, there is enough to get a good idea of who they are and why they are so conflicted.
With a great approach to the source material, the performances are what really sell it. In the film, we are introduced to a new character, Bob, who is also known as Sentry. He is described in the film as stronger than all of The Avengers put together and is a true force to be reckoned with. One of his powers is the ability to enter people’s minds and trap them in their own mental prisons. He is played by Lewis Pullman, and his chemistry with Florence Pugh is at the next level. This really feels like their movie, as they spend the majority of the film bonding with each other. Wyatt Russell as John Walker is also a standout, making a character that is so despised a fan favorite and one of the highlights of the movie. The whole cast is wonderful and brings levity and humor to a story that often goes to some really dark places.
Thunderbolts* is one of the most emotionally resonant stories the studio has ever told. The thing that struck me the most about it wasn’t the solid action and great writing but how deep it was. In the end, it’s about overcoming the darkness that’s inside you before it destroys you. It’s a clever exploration of mental health and how it affects you in the worst of times. There is a sequence towards the end of the film that exemplifies this point perfectly and is one of the most powerful moments put on film. It’s thoughtful storytelling disguised as popcorn entertainment. Movies like this can save a life, and I’m glad that it exists.
In case you haven’t figured it out by now, this is an easy recommendation. I won’t say that the MCU is back but if they keep heading in this direction we could be in for a resurgence. For the first time in a while, I didn’t feel like they were trying to push the next thing; I just wanted to tell a good story. They succeeded in that and made me excited to live in this world again. It is a good time and is worth seeing on the big screen. Go check it out!
Rating: 4 Pastrami Nations out of 5
