Release Date: July 25, 2025 | Director: Jake Schreier | Runtime: 2h 7m | Rating: PG-13
Starring: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Lewis Pullman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell
A Team of Misfits Against Their Own Demons
Thunderbolts* is a bold departure from the typical MCU formula, blending gritty antihero dynamics with deep emotional stakes. The film follows a ragtag group of morally ambiguous operatives—Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, U.S. Agent, and the amnesiac Bob Reynolds—who are betrayed by their manipulative handler, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Sent on a suicide mission to cover up her crimes, they must unite to survive while confronting their traumatic pasts.
✓ What Works: A Refreshingly Grounded MCU Entry
1. Strong Character Arcs and Performances
Florence Pugh shines as Yelena, whose grief over Natasha Romanoff's death fuels her journey from cynicism to leadership. Her dynamic with David Harbour's Red Guardian provides both heart and humor. Lewis Pullman delivers a standout performance as Sentry, portraying mental health struggles with nuance. Julia Louis-Dreyfus relishes her role as Valentina, blending Veep-style incompetence with sinister charm.
2. A Darker, More Introspective Tone
Unlike recent MCU films bogged down by multiverse fatigue, Thunderbolts focuses on intimate stakes. The cinematography uses desaturated colors and shadowy visuals to mirror the characters' psychological turmoil. The film's emotional core revolves around Bob, who is revealed to be the immensely powerful but unstable Sentry.
3. Subverting Superhero Tropes
The film avoids a typical third-act spectacle, opting instead for a surreal dive into Bob's psyche. The climax hinges not on a typical CGI battle but on the team's emotional intervention, helping Bob overcome his inner demons through solidarity—a rare MCU moment where human connection trumps brute force.
✗ What Doesn't Work: Pacing and Underdeveloped Characters
1. Sluggish First Act
The first act drags with exposition-heavy scenes, particularly around Bucky's unlikely role as a congressman. The pacing feels uneven as the film struggles to balance multiple character introductions and backstories.
2. Sidelined Supporting Characters
Ghost and Taskmaster are underdeveloped, with minimal character growth compared to Yelena and Bob. Some humor feels out of place, undercutting the film's darker themes.
🎬 Final Verdict: A Step in the Right Direction for the MCU
Thunderbolts* isn't perfect, but it's a refreshing pivot for Marvel—prioritizing character depth over universe-building. With stellar performances, a risky but rewarding finale, and a post-credits tease for the Fantastic Four, it sets up an exciting future for Marvel's "New Avengers". The film proves that smaller, emotionally driven stories can still thrive in the MCU.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (8/10)
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