ThunderBolts* Review: 5 Ups and 2 Downs
MCU’s newest film has reached cinemas with some calling it the best one since Endgame. Does that hold true?
-Spoilers ahead*
DOWNS
2. Low Stakes
Let’s get the bad out of the way before I give this movie its praise. There’s not much to dislike about this movie in my opinion so this could get nitpicks. First of all, for a team-up project like the Thunderbolts, you would think it would be large scale spectacle. However, it is surprisingly subdued with its locations, stakes, and importance in the grand scheme of things. Sure, we get a post-credits scene teasing the beginning of Doomsday and a death of a “major” character” — yet there isn’t a feeling that any of these characters are going to bit eat bullet nor New York facing any long lasting effects like in 2012. there isn;’t even a third act battle that we’ve grown accustomed to. I’m not against subverting some expectations but this definitely felt more character-driven for something that could’ve swung for the fences.
The Pacing
Marvel movies have only gotten longer and longer these days and is something the fans have complained about. That is not an issue here but is actually one of the only times that I have felt like it could have used more time to fletch out more of the characters that haven’t had a lot of screentime in the past. Even the third act doesn't really feel like it’s been built up and just immediately jumps to it with a quick finish too. Once again, this a small problem that could even be viewed as a positive if you like a spring of a watch but I just wanted more time with this crew.
UPS
5. Taskmaster’s Fate
I shared the fact that the Thunderbolts was a little light on bloodshed and while this is generally true, we do get one shockingly quick death. Ghost' shoots Taskmaster within the movie’s first 30 minutes to everyone’s surprise considering how she was marketed as one of the key figures. It’s also a pretty brutal one as a bullet to the head confirms this is set in stone. That’s refreshing in a universe full of so many fake-outs deaths. Lastly, for those complaining about wasting the character - don’t act like you invested din her character that was so badly botched in Black Widow.
4. Post-Credit Scenes
This will be a quick one here, as there isn’t much to dive deep into but thought it was worth a mention. Marvel’s post/mid-credit scenes are hit or miss lately but I liked the tone of both of these as they fit into the movie seamlessly. Red Guardian’s excitement in being famous on the New Avengers roster pays off in a little gag at a grocery store consistently with the film’s humor and is harmless fun for fans. Then, there’s the big reveal afterwards with Fantastic Four’s entrance into Earth-616 as well as a time jump 14 months after the events of the film. I loved how Avengers tower is the new home base (as it should be) along with their new uniforms. It should be quite interesting to see how they welcome the multiversal heroes.
3. The Focus on Mental Illness
Look, we all know Marvel is meant for all audiences so it has to be easy to digest. that can lead to silly themes, dialogue, action sequences, and plots. However, they are at their best when things are gritty, the stakes are high, and when they cover heavy material. With all of the characters here suffering from some sort of trauma or mental health struggle, they had to bring that to the surface to make sense of why these miserable people would even consider teaming. It also is essential to Sentry/Bob/Void’s arc throughout to and manages to help the audience feel for the heroes that can be tough to relate to at times.
2. Florence Pugh’s Performance
Yelena Bolova is one of those heroes that is easy to connect with. She is the central protagonist of the movie as the character with the most emotion and that shines through the screen thanks to Florence Pugh’s down-to-earth performance. Pugh elevates the material and is really coming into her own as Yelena. Some people were wondering who would take over as the heart of the MCU for Tony stark and it appears as though we have stumbled upon our answer.
1. The Charm, Chemistry, and Comedy
If you’re going to do a team-up superhero movie right, the characters have to click or else it’s dead in the water. Luckily, every single person in this movie works well opposite each other. The rapport in the team is off the charts and feels like these guys are family that constantly bicker with quick-witted remarks. These quips are not your usual cliched humor that Marvel has made their own and never feels forced or cheesy. I audibly laughed numerous times thanks to David Harbour (Red Guardian) and Wyatt Russell (US Agent) who steal the show. Even Ghost has some great comedic lines. While the whole “Bob” joke is a little silly, I think it works thanks to Sentry’s hilarious line deliveries and facial expressions. All of these factors give the Thunferbolts an entertaining charm that I can’t wait to see again.
Conclusion
Overall, Thunderbolts* is a blast and continues Marvel’s streak lately of having a great film following a poor one (Sorry Cap). It’s not the best one since endgame as Guardians 3 and No Way Home were fantastic, but I would slip this in right after at the three spot.
Rating: 8/10
