James Whitehead
One of the beautiful aspects of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the ability to tell stories about different people, different perspectives and even different worlds, whilst maintaining a core human element to every story.
By using these crazy events and larger-than-life characters to demonstrate that no one is safe from the feelings of doubt, fear, insecurity or inadequacy. In the MCU it doesn’t matter if you’re a big, green rage-monster or a blonde-haired, blue-eyed god, all these feelings catch up with you and help relate you to these characters in a way that many other Studios don’t understand. The beauty of the MCU is that the heroes aren’t all God-like, they’re flawed and have insecurities but use those fears to do good. From Iron Man to Groot, all share this incredible humanity.
Thunderbolts understands this better than a lot of the recent offerings from Marvel, in a wonderfully impactful, emotionally driven story about these flawed people, all wanting to do and be more. The ensemble cast, consisting of Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Wyatt Russel as US Agent, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, and Lewis Pullman as Bob (Sentry), come together in a bizarre melting-pot way of combining these throwaway characters, who all struggle with feelings of insignificance, and forcing them to work together, forgetting their past mistakes.
Thunderbolts* plays into themes about loss, grief, guilt and loneliness, asking, what do we do with these feelings before they consume us? In one of Marvel’s most personable films to date, superhero stuff aside, it’s a character study about these flawed people who happen to have some extra abilities.
The film is well paced and although there’s a feeling that the ending is slightly abrupt, it’s the resolution of the story that comes together chaotically and quickly, rather than the final act feeling rushed. I was so swept up in the characters and their journey you’re left wanting more from each of the team, which is why the ending feels unwelcome. You’re having so much fun with the team dynamics at the end and yet still only scratching the surface on some of the deeper themes in play.
Thunderbolts* is an extremely thoughtful film, but speaking of it as an MCU entry, the 36th entry to be exact, the action is well filmed and impactful and there’s a serious effort being made to connect it to the larger universe, which for the most part is done so seamlessly. Whilst the film does in parts suffer due to the lack of general cohesion in the MCU right now, it doesn’t impact on the film negatively on its own, but there’s a few moments where the attempts to connect to the larger world could have been utilised better, if there was more direction and certainty with the ongoing larger MCU story. But really that’s a nitpick about Marvel themselves right now rather than a critique of Thunderbolts*
Overall, Thunderbolts* is a well-made film, well worth seeing in the cinemas for the great performances and relatable themes, just don’t forget to stay behind for *2! Post credit scenes.
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