Thunderbolts* Review
For the past few months, Marvel Studios has slowly been able to regain its footing. Though Captain America: Brave New World didn’t satisfy many, Daredevil: Born Again and Agatha All Along slowly but surely brought the hype back for fans. Now, Marvel is taking a step forward again with Thunderbolts*, which was heavily scrutinized during its original reveal of the team’s roster. However, as fans learned more and more about the stakes at hand, Thunderbolts* is proving itself as Phase 5’s true underdog compared to other films Marvel has put out.
Thunderbolts* isn’t like your usual MCU superhero team-up movie like The Avengers. It features multiple antiheroes from across the board, including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), USA Agent (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko).
Valentina Allega de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) has brought them together, all of them unknowing of what’s really going down. However, when the group discovers a sinister truth, they must band together to fight whatever Val really has in store.
If there’s one thing that Marvel Studios has been trying to figure out post-Endgame, it is its identity. Given the tonally diverse projects it’s been releasing, fans have been expecting consistency. Marvel’s been trying to find itself and Thunderbolts* is a clear representation of that idea. Through thick and thin, Jake Schreier and Eric Pearson’s story successfully dives deep into how one can find purpose through family. This is mainly done through the perspective of Yelena, who’s perfectly brought to life once more by Pugh after Black Widow and Hawkeye.
As is with several other characters in Marvel, Yelena’s been unsatisfied with her place under Val as she carries out her missions. This gets put on blast when she tries to visit her “papa” Alexei, who turns out to be a limo driver that gets his usage in later on. Yet, amidst all the bearish, comedic overprotectiveness Alexei tries to put onto Yelena, their relationship is actually an integral part of Thunderbolts*. As such, Pugh and Harbour’s chemistry is delightful as always, lending the film a heartwarming bond.
Yet, it’s Lewis Pullman who delivers an impeccable performance as the characteristically complex Robert Reynolds. Due to an abusive home life, Robert’s been pushing all of the anger and rage within him, which is emphasized by his powers as the Void. However, throughout Thunderbolts*, the way that Yelena tries to deeply care for Robert is genuinely sweet. It makes you want to root for both of them, but when Val tries to take over that “caretaker” role from Yelena, it leaves you rightfully worried.
The Void especially plays a big role in this by being that representation for toxic mental self-reflection. The audience gets treated to some truly harrowing flashbacks while putting the present characters into these “sets”. These sequences really lend Thunderbolts* that emotional edge no other recent Marvel movie has had. As we get to know more about Yelena, Val, and even US Agent, it just tugs on your heartstrings little by little to get you rooting for this team to work things out.
The other Thunderbolts* also put in the work. Particularly, Ghost gets a massive improvement from Ant-Man and the Wasp, being more resolute, but perfectly pessimistic. US Agent is still brash and arrogant, but these traits become less apparent thanks to Robert’s involvement. On the other hand, Bucky Barnes mostly plays a lingering background role as the statesman until the second act and his chemistry with Val’s assistant, Mel (Geraldine Viswanathan), is there to maintain the narrative flow. Opposed to all these characters, there’s a specific reason why Taskmaster wasn’t as prominently featured in the film itself and to put it simply: fans can see it coming.
Though there might be some rough patches, Thunderbolts*’ action absolutely carries. Due to the fact that most of it was done practically, everything is shot and cut naturally in a way that keeps you fully hooked. There are a few shockers here and there, especially in the third act, but it’s as explosive, wild, and crazy as it can get. However, there are also more intimate, claustrophobic set pieces in the third act that completely feel like an A24 movie, which says a lot for a Marvel movie.
That’s why Thunderbolts works: it’s essentially a Phase Two movie that blends the tones of Black Widow and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It’s got the heart and emotional stakes of being compassionate while softly tackling mental health and finding the right community and outlet for one’s feelings.
In between the thematic lines lies this gritty, yet thrilling, conspiracy about filling in the void, both literally and metaphorically, that’s left by the Avengers. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for the staple post-credits scenes and asterisk reveal, it won’t disappoint.
In every way, Thunderbolts* is one of the best Marvel movies, standing out both narratively and tonally from its recent output. Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman are absolutely phenomenal, elevating this more avant-garde film with their exemplary chemistry. While it’s for certain that this team will return in Avengers: Doomsday, I hope that they’ll never leave us even if they part ways.
Thunderbolts* releases in theaters on May 2.
Rating: ★★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.
Thunderbolts* Review
Thunderbolts* Review
Thunderbolts* Review