Thunderbolts* Review: An Impactful Experience!

May 9, 2025May 20, 2025 Zach Kraus 3 Comments Chris Bauer, David Harbour, English Movies, Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Hannah John-Kamen, Hollywood, Hollywood Movie Reviews, Hollywood Movies, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman, Marvel, marvel cinematic universe, MCU, Olga Kurylenko, Sebastian Stan, Thunderbolts, Wendell Pierce, Wyatt Russell

Marvel’s newest outing of Thunderbolts* combines a group of rag-tag rogues that combat a super-powered foe. What is this some kind of “Suicide Squad?” Thankfully, for everyone, Thunderbolts* was a great time. I really appreciated how Jake Schrier highlights the importance of the human condition to connect these characters. This is one of the rare exceptions where a Marvel movie is able to explore themes of depression, self-fulfillment, identity, and loneliness in a completely character-driven narrative.

The lead star Florence Pugh’s Yelena has skyrocketed as a compelling character, combining Pugh’s unwavering acting talents with a character that is both charismatic and sympathetic. Also, I was strongly impressed with the introduction of Lewis Pullman as the well-known comic character of Bob (a.k.a the Sentry). How his character and performance are incorporated feels perfect as the centerpiece of the narrative, helping to manifest the central conflict into an imposing threat. It’s one of Marvel’s best character debuts of all time, ushering in a character who is complex and thoroughly enjoyable.

Jake Schrier draws on every element with this film to make Thunderbolts* an impactful experience. Most of all, he makes key moments of the film satisfying with a present payoff. The film succeeds better than most Marvel films with its humor, while also keeping it under control at critical emotional turns. I found myself appreciating the production value of this film among its peer entries to the MCU.

The visual effects look solid, the production design and stunt work are all convincing, and the cinematography is among the upper echelons of what Marvel studios has to offer. I do believe a couple of the characters in this ensemble don’t get a truly complete arc by the end. I also have no clue as to why Taskmaster is even in this film.

I noticed some parallels between Thunderbolts* and Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3. I think the key to success of these films is being able to express an emotionally-driven narrative entirely through its characters.