Autopilot-controlled "Thunderbolts" in action
A Shift in Marvel's Game: Valiantly Vulnerable "Thunderbolts"
As the political noose tightens around Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the shrewd director of the CIA, she ingeniously wipes her past crimes clean. This includes the axing of several assassins, including the formidable Yelena Belova, who valiantly refuses to slink away quietly. In response, Yelena allies herself with a mismatched crew of mercenaries, who, like her, have decided to put a stop to Valentina. However, the latter has concocted a new breed of superhero in her lab. Blinded by her arrogance, Valentina quickly loses control of her "creation". In "Thunderbolts" (V.F.), Florence Pugh and Julia Louis-Dreyfus reign supreme, nearly unchallenged.
The film begins with Yelena candidly discussing her dangerous, gruesome missions, comparing them to punching a clock. This metaphor is an apt reflection of the film's creative process, which seems to operate more on autopilot than with intentional flair.
Marvel's once-invincible banner seems to have revised its narrative approach to its "universe" – both cinematic and television. It became necessary to have seen all the films and series to appreciate, let alone understand, each new feature film.
However, this no longer seems to be the case.
References to prior adventures are scattered throughout (especially in "Black Widow"), but newcomers, along with old faithful fans contemplating a return to the Marvel fold, will follow the plot without much difficulty.
The narrative, despite some stylistic elements, often feels like a retread for those who have been regular inhabitants of the said universe since the beginning. The implausible union of mercenary antiheroes who were sworn enemies yesterday echoes "Guardians of the Galaxy". The comparison doesn't favor "Thunderbolts".
One cannot help but notice the usual "massive urban destruction" sequence during the climax, seen umpteen times in numerous variations. Here, it falls short in size – or budget. It's also worth mentioning the special effects that vary from extraordinary to mediocre: an ongoing issue at Marvel.
Impersonal yet Intense
Despite some witty lines, "Thunderbolts" lacks the zany humor of the first "Iron Man" or the ambition of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier".While the comic timing of Florence Pugh and Julia Louis-Dreyfus elevates the comedic aspect, the touching moments fall short, feeling Superficial and artificial, preventing a deeper emotional connection.
Sebastian Stan (Bucky) and Hannah John-Kamen (Ava) are underutilized while David Harbour (Alexei) and Wyatt Russell (John) occupy similar roles (dependable macho individuals with big hearts).
In terms of visuals, we venture into the realm of expertise and efficiency, staying committed to the assembly line concept: it's deliberately impersonal to fit neatly into the continuity of everything that has come before. In short, "Thunderbolts" entertains from start to finish, but just like Valentina, leaves no enduring impact.
Additional Insights
"Thunderbolts" represents a significant evolution in Marvel's storytelling methodology, shifting focus from grand spectacle to meaningful character exploration and systemic critique[2][3][4]. The film's primary strength lies in its empathetic depiction of flawed, tormented characters grappling with trauma and identity[2][3]. Yelena's emotional arc, steeped in vulnerability and raw, biting honesty, propels the narrative forward and marks one of the MCU's most authentic, emotionally resonant performances[2][4]. The humor is subdued, character-driven, and darkly humorous, striking a perfect balance between gravity and wit[1][4].
[1] Collider. (2023, October 08). Thunderbolts Review – New Marvel Film Returns to Roots for Stunning Results. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/culture/tv-and-movies/thunderbolts-review-marvel-cinematic-universes-most-ambitious-film-to-date/
[2] IGN. (2023, October 06). Marvel's Thunderbolts Movie: Release Date, Cast, & Everything We Know. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/marvel-thunderbolts-movie-release-date-cast-everything-we-know
[3] Empire. (2023, October 17). Thunderbolts movie review: it's about time Marvel told a story like this. Empire. https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/thunderbolts-review/
[4] Digital Spy. (2023, October 09). Thunderbolts review: Marvel Studios' slow burn sequel delivers in a major way. Digital Spy. https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a38572849/thunderbolts-review/
- The movie "Thunderbolts," set within the realm of Marvel's 'movies-and-tv' entertainment, transitions from grand spectacle to meaningful character exploration and systemic critique, much like Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's shift in tactics.
- In 'Thunderbolts', Florence Pugh and Julia Louis-Dreyfus portray their roles with intense performances, but unlike the emotional depth of a character like Yelena, their relationship feels superficial and artificial, just like Valentina's new breed of superhero.
- Wyatt, whose role is not explicitly mentioned earlier in the text, can be inferred to have a dependable macho character, similar to Sebastian Stan (Bucky) and Hannah John-Kamen (Ava), who are arguably underutilized in 'Thunderbolts'.
- While "Thunderbolts" offers a fresh narrative approach compared to the interconnected 'universe', certain elements such as the climactic urban destruction and inconsistent special effects demonstrate a continuing struggle with continuity and impact within Marvel's offerings.
