Marvel is once again poised for success with its latest release, Thunderbolts*, which serves as a loose continuation of 2021’s Black Widow and marks the conclusion of the MCU’s Phase Five.
The quirky asterisk in the title might have raised eyebrows upon its announcement, but after watching the film, it reveals itself as a clever nod rather than a mere gimmick. Thunderbolts* presents itself as a commendable return to Marvel’s signature filmmaking style, blending a brisk pace, sharp wit, and exhilarating action with enough emotional depth to engage viewers in the characters’ journeys.
(Caution: Minor spoilers ahead.)
The movie can be likened to the MCU’s interpretation of The Suicide Squad (2021), albeit without the extreme violence of an R-rating. Initially, James Gunn was set to direct Thunderbolts* but stepped away, citing similarities with his own projects. Nonetheless, the star-studded film retains Gunn’s playful spirit, reminiscent of his success with Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). While it may not achieve the box office records of last year’s Deadpool and Wolverine, Gunn’s recent influence as co-CEO at Marvel Studios has set a promising course for the franchise’s future.
The narrative of Thunderbolts* picks up after Black Widow, where we find Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) grappling with the loss of her adoptive sister, Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson). Now working as a mercenary for CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Yelena is plagued by her grief and a sense of disengagement from her work.
Yearning for purpose, Yelena seeks comfort from her adoptive father, Alexei/Red Guardian (David Harbour), who is now a limo driver living a mundane life. He advises Yelena that to find fulfillment, she must embrace being a superhero.
(WARNING: Significant character spoilers below.)
As Yelena contemplates her future, she surprises Valentina by announcing her retirement. Valentina persuades her to undertake one last mission, targeting an enemy operative at a warehouse. Upon her arrival, Yelena encounters John Walker (Wyatt Russell), a super soldier turned U.S. Agent, who is also working for Valentina. This confrontation quickly escalates into chaos.
Alongside them are Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), who join the fray. The situation intensifies when they discover an amnesiac named Bob (Lewis Pullman), who is bewildered about his circumstances.
It becomes evident that Valentina has orchestrated this dangerous encounter with hopes of eliminating them all along with incriminating evidence. With the threat of congressional impeachment looming over her, Valentina has much at stake.
In a twist, despite one tragic loss—Taskmaster receives a forgettable send-off—Yelena, John, and Ghost form an alliance to navigate their escape, aided unexpectedly by Bob, who reveals his own superpowers. The arrival of Red Guardian at a crucial moment offers them a ride in his unreliable limo. The unlikely team even includes Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), now serving in Congress and representing Brooklyn, hinting they might just succeed against Valentina despite their less-than-stellar track record.
While viewers may have varying opinions, it’s hard to find fault with Thunderbolts*, as it delivers on pure entertainment value. Despite some Marvel films often being criticized for their lengthy action scenes and convoluted plots, Thunderbolts* shines with its 126-minute runtime that feels engaging from start to finish. The film features a well-crafted narrative, witty dialogue, and dynamic pacing, all woven together by director Jake Schreier’s adept handling of both action and character development.
His able direction combined with a talented ensemble cast, notably Lewis Pullman as the new character Bob, makes for compelling storytelling. The film’s heart is anchored by Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena, whose emotional arc deeply resonates throughout the film, especially during her connection with Bob.
The film subtly addresses themes of inner darkness and personal redemption, particularly as Bob transforms into the Void—a powerful manifestation associated with Valentina. While Valentina aims to create a new superhero entity to take over for the Avengers, Bob’s transformation instead represents a pervasive shadow over New York City.
Overall, Thunderbolts* merges action-packed entertainment with a narrative that probes deeper issues such as mental health, contributing to a refreshing experience that audiences can enjoy. It’s currently showcasing in theaters, complete with a post-credits scene that has already garnered enthusiastic reactions and sets the stage for the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps debuting in July.
