Thunderbolts Review: Florence Pugh Starrer Doesn’t Try Hard to Be An Avengers Film, Fortunately That’s What MCU Needs

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Name: Thunderbolts*

Director: Jake Schreier

Cast: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Lewis Pullman

Writer: Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo

Rating: 3.5/5

Plot:

In a surprising twist, the team behind Thunderbolts* has casually referenced “The Avengers,” much to the chagrin of some passionate Marvel fans. Yet, they’ve managed to add a humorous spin to it, assembling an eclectic group of characters including Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Lewis Pullman, and David Harbour. This team appears to be a ragtag band of imperfect, apprehensive, and almost military-like protectors of Earth.

*Note: Thunderbolts is not an actual movie or series but a fictional one for the purpose of this example.

Marvel Studios faced a significant challenge in their latest project, as they relied solely on Bucky Barnes to evoke nostalgia and compensate for the lack of other familiar faces. However, with a string of movies that some viewers considered disappointments, even the superheroes couldn’t help boost their success.

Here comes a group of underdog superheroes, with rough-around-the-edges abilities, disorganized teamwork, and an insecurity that matches Loki’s (Tom, don’t worry, I’m just kidding). Nevertheless, they manage to save the day, brighten it up – literally – and give us something to look forward to in the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Watch Thunderbolts* trailer:

What works for Thunderbolts*?

Previously mentioned, Thunderbolts isn’t like The Avengers, which is fortunately a wise move by Kevin Feige and his team for the universe’s future. Consistently, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) champions the underdog, and they’ve done so yet again, in an approachable manner.

Instead of just Sentry and Void, all members of the Thunderbolts team are once considered social outcasts, posing a danger to civilization. However, they come to realize that working for Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is not their true calling. Consequently, they embark on a series of events that lead to an exhilarating chase, sparking a range of reactions among viewers.

What doesn’t work for Thunderbolts*?

Although the cinematography is intense, the soundtrack initially struggles to keep pace. Similarly, Bob’s character was slow to resonate with us. Despite his complex relationship with his mind and the emptiness he bears, the movie hasn’t quite made him a character we can wholeheartedly love…not yet.

In conclusion, the ending of the movie feels underwhelming, even though the sudden flashes of camera create an unexpected moment. However, the absence of emotional responses makes it feel anticlimactic and less impactful.

Final Review for Thunderbolts*

Apart from praising various aspects, let me highlight a few more points: Florence Pugh’s acting is exceptional, especially her acrobatic stunts on wires that are impressively executed. Additionally, the comedic scenes involving her father add humor to even the most ordinary roads, transforming them into thrilling roller coasters.

In essence, it seems that Sebastian Stan might be feeling uneasy or out of his comfort zone, taking on the role of a team leader, a sentiment that is convincingly portrayed in his acting performance. This aspect of him was not anticipated from an actor who has previously starred as part of the Avengers ensemble.

Lightning Strikes* effectively lays the groundwork for the forthcoming movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” paving the way for an exciting confrontation that’s certain to draw larger audiences to cinemas. This victory for Marvel Studios is expected to help them regain their momentum.

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2025-04-30 06:37