2025 Summer Movie Season - Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts: Review & Analysis

 New Assembling!!!!! Marvel's New Moshpit of Heroes Brings Old School Vibes to Heroverse!!!!!

  Review By BJ Porter

Who invited them?!

The Story

The nations of the world are desperate for heroes. The absence of the Avengers has left an indelible mark that is becoming increasingly harder to ignore. Confident in her ability to fix the problem at large, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julie Louis Dreyfus) sets in motion her plan to fill the void left by Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Sensing the underhanded intentions of the woman trotting around as America’s next great savior, recently elected congressman, James Buchanan Barnes (Sebastian Stan) recognizes that whatever contingency plan Fontaine could be cooking up, could be more dangerous and unstable than her and her supporters realize. Knowing the risk at large but left with no other options, Bucky recruits a ragtag group of criminals and assassins to be the “alternative”. The unwilling volunteers include Natasha Romanoff’s estranged sister Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), disgraced Captain America mantle holder John Walker (Wyatt Russell), ex-Hydra sleeper Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen), and former Soviet Union alternative to Captain America, Alexei Shostakov aka Red Guardian (David Harbour). As this unconventional group of down on their luck mercenaries faces a dangerous new adversary who’s uncontrollable thirst for destruction threatens to consume New York, they must all put aside their differences and confront the challenge ahead as well as their own inner demons and show the world that even though they may not be super or technically heroes, they won’t give up when it comes to stepping up and being what the world needs. 

Valentina entertains her new associates at a new home with 
so much history

The Review

The MCU is briskly moving towards the culmination of its eventful yet tumultuous multiverse saga, and their latest entry will bring everyone one step closer to the reassembling set to transpire this time next year. But before that can happen, Director Jake Schreier leads an assembling of his own, but not quite the one people were expecting. Thunderbolts* sees a vast collection of colorful yet morally messy characters thrown together to be heroes in a time where hope is needed now more than ever. After teaming up with Marvel’s mosh pit of juvenile rejects, Thunderbolts is a throwback when it comes to what makes the MCU so special. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is at its best when it can mix grand-scale spectacle with deeply nuanced character. While Phase 5 has had its fair share of tribulations when it comes to upholding the standard of storytelling prestige that fans have been screaming for them to maintain since Endgame, Thunderbolts manages to do what a lot of its predecessors in Phase 5 struggled with. Thunderbolts feels like a much smaller scale MCU entry, but it's the reduced scale that allows for the story to be more focused and uncluttered. The film's ensemble is without a doubt its strongest element, with every member of the cast giving their all. However, if we are going to talk about performances, there are plenty of gold stars to go around. Florence Pugh continues to remind everyone why she is a powerhouse on-screen presence. Given the leading lady title following her scene-stealing debut in 2021's Black Widow, Pugh's Yelena delivers her signature charm and sarcastic wit but with even more emotional depth. Pugh's ability to present this deadpan sense of humor that truly hides her crippiling isolation and brokenness is nothing short of spectacular. The arc the character goes on is relatable and deeply moving, creating a strong sense of connection to not just those she shares the screen with but also with the audience. The MCU struck gold with Pugh, and I am excited to see where she takes the character as we head into the next phase. As for the other players, David Harbour is the gift that keeps on giving. Every moment he is on screen is pure elation and joy as his comedic aura guarantees laughs. In addition to that, the heartfelt moments he exhibits are just as impactful, specifically his moments with Yelena, being some of the best. Wyatt Russell brings John Walker to the big screen, really doubling down on the jaded cynic who takes out his frustrations on those around him. While most of the character work was done on The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Russell makes Walker equal parts despicable yet endearing. Hannah John Kamen and Sebastian Stan are equally strong additions to the ensemble with Kamen playing off of her castmates brilliantly as she expertly matches wits with everyone and Stan's return as Bucky being a solid representation of how much the character has grown, learned and changed throughout history in the heroverse. Julie Louis Dreyfus is as deliciously devious as ever with her snake-like charm and ability to BS her way out of a situation and make it work to her advantage. She is quickly becoming a strong presence in the MCU and I'm eager to see what is in store for her next. But we can talk about performances without singing the praises of Lewis Pullman as Sentry. For such a character that is arguably one of the most powerful in the MCU, the emotional depth he displays is so layered allowing him to be more than just an indestructible being. Pullman pulls off the jitteriness, awkwardness and meekness of Bob well and is also equal parts haunting and scary as The Void. It's a performance that packs an emotional punch while really nailing the film's messaging and commentary.

Anyone call for a super soldier.

While we are on the subject, it is that very messaging that makes Thunderbolts such a refreshing addition to the modern MCU. Many franchise films choose style over substance often sacrificing narrative nuance for action and fireworks. Thunderbolts manages to do both rather well. More successful than even some of the more recent films in the MCU as of late. The best entries in the MCU are always able to create thought-provoking discussion topics while being thrilling in terms of action. Whether it's the pointedness of race from The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, the dangers of isolationism giving way to radicalized militarization found in Black Panther, or the consequences of forfeiting your right to choose, thus putting your fate in the hands of agenda-driven powers in Civil War. Marvel creates its best work when it delivers compelling stories coupled with relatable characters. Thunderbolts manages to be that. The movie has a lot to say about loneliness, depression, sense of hopelessness and the void of succumbing to nothingness. It is a timely message that reminds everyone that the best thing to do is to stop burying the darkness and pain deeper into you. For if you do, it could consume you and everyone around you. You have the power to fight it and retake your joy, your sense of purpose, your life as a whole. All you need is a strong support system and the courage to confront the fear that you can't beat the darkness. This is one of the elements that makes Thunderbolts such a strong entry in the MCU, and I'm thrilled that so much nuance was found in this film in the midst of all the action and laughs. Speaking on that, Thunderbolts, for all its refreshing layers and depth, is still an all-out blast to watch. The action is fast, visceral and just downright fun. The cinematography and choreography make each set piece gritty and grounded, all while the character banter elevates the scenes. It isn't as large-scale as say an Avengers movie but I believe that works to its advantage. The smaller, more intimate approach to the story allows for the film to not be as busy or confusing. The film does have some lulls in terms of pacing, but for the most part, it is a good time while delivering more under the surface. All in all, Thunderbolts feels like a throwback to the MCU of old with strong action and nuanced narrative depth. It's a great balance of action, humor, and emotion that make it more than just a fun popcorn flick. The movie serves as a strong ending to the current phase of the MCU that gives us a collection of characters we genuinely want to see more of. It's an unexpected team-up that had the odds stacked against them, but it reminds us what this heroverse is capable of when it has its heart and mind in the right place.

Final Score Rating

Viscerally action-packed, hilarious as well as equally parts narratively layered, Marvel's closing film for Phase 5 shows us that the MCU is still capable of delivering high-quality stories and characters that 
thrill and uplift.

Laugh if you are the best dad ever.