Unleashing the Thunderbolts: A Decent, Yet Disappointing Superhero Extravaganza 💥🧨💣
Thunderbolts movie review: A mid-tier Marvel spectacle, scratching the superhero itch but failing to pack a punch
The Cast: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Directed by Jake Schreier, and rated an acceptable ★★★
Unveiling Thunderbolts: A collection of outcasts comes oh-so-close to resurrecting the Marvel cinematic splendor, yet falls just short of achieving greatness.
When Marvel's freshest endeavor, Thunderbolts, graced the silver screen, one could not help but be transported back to the good old days - around a decade ago, when the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was unleashing a blockbuster after blockbuster, maintaining an exquisite harmony between action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. Thunderbolts hits those sweet spots, too. However, it consistently falls short of the high bar set by the trailblazing Captain America: Civil War, which revolutionized the superhero team-up film genre. (Also read: Thunderbolts first reactions: a 'one of the best Marvel movies in years,' lavishing 'amazing' action scenes**)
Unmasking the Thunderbolts
With roots deeply embedded in Marvel Comics, the Thunderbolts are a peculiar crew: anti-heroes and baddies banded together under the guidance of the powerful General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. In this adaptation, they are orchestrated by the enigmatic and cunning Valentine Allegra de Fontaine (played by the brilliant Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the newest Marvel version of Nick Fury). As they embark on their chaotic, high-stakes mission, they soon realize that Val may have been deceiving them all along and that they're in much deeper trouble than they initially believed. Tucked away in a hidden vault, the super anti-heroes come face to face with the mysterious Bob (Lewis Pullman), who adds yet another layer to their tangled web of deception and adventure. Now, the formidable crew consisting of Yelena (Florence Pugh), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Alexei (David Harbour) must learn to cooperate to prevail and, ideally, secure a helping hand from Bucky (now a Congressman, played effortlessly by Sebastian Stan).
Thunderbolts follows the basic blueprint of the Suicide Squad meeting The Winter Soldier, but it does so in a simpler, more straightforward manner. The familiar tropes are there: the motley crew of outcasts fighting for redemption, the anti-heroes struggling with self-doubt, and the "villain" caught in a trap of his own making. Thankfully, these familiar elements feel fresh in Thunderbolts, adding welcome newness to the MCU. Thunderbolts indeed breaks new ground for the universe compared to the releases that followed Avengers: Endgame.
Revisiting Marvel's Golden Era
The true strength of Thunderbolts lies in its setting, tone, and the expert blend of humor and action that once defined the MCU. The film doesn't shy away from deploying diabolical one-liners that strike a nerve, and the situational comedy elicits smiles and chuckles. Even though Red Guardian, played with heart and soul by a charming David Harbour, is reduced to a comedic sidekick, it works just fine as a welcome break from the nonstop action. Similarly, the breath-taking action sequences and impeccable visual effects remain a byproduct of Marvel's unparalleled craftsmanship. The recently reprimanded utilization of CGI contamination is noticeably absent in Thunderbolts, lending credence to the film's extended action sequences.
Yet, Thunderbolts transports viewers to a time reminiscent of Marvel's golden era primarily due to the humanity it injects into its narrative. Director Jake Schreier off-loosens his reins and explores the protagonists' personal demons and vulnerabilities with a subtle touch. Similar to Iron Man 3, which delved into the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder, and Endgame, which focused on survivor's guilt, Thunderbolts ostensibly grapples with the complexities of impostor syndrome and feelings of inadequacy. The movie deftly unpacks how the distribution of power to the mentally unstable can lead to monstrous consequences, unveiling another layer of depth in Thunderbolts' story. It could even be argued that the movie subtly satirizes the military-industrial complex, but it's tricky to determine if that was intentional or coincidental.
Jack-of-all-trades, Master of None?
While critics worldwide have credited Thunderbolts as the "greatest Marvel film in years," it's essential to avoid exaggerating praise. While it may be the best of the worst, these flattering comparisons are merely relative rather than absolute. In simpler terms, Thunderbolts is really good, but it's far from being the ultimate savior the MCU so desperately needs.
Since Spider-Man: No Way Home, the MCU has struggled to produce decent films that hit the spot with fans. The lack of outstanding viewing options on the big screen has caused viewer fatigue and a sense of apathy towards the universe. A decade back, keeping up with Marvel was a mandatory pastime for any pop culture aficionado. Today, it's an effortless choice to disregard. Thunderbolts does not offer enough to shake off that viewer fatigue and revive the MCU. It serves as an enjoyable standalone film, but its aspiration for reinventing the franchise may prove unattainable. Alas, we may have passed the point of no return by now.
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- The Thunderbolts movie, a Marvel production, reminded viewers of the golden days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), evoking memories of a time when the MCU released blockbuster after blockbuster, maintaining a balance between action, humor, and emotional depth.
- Thunderbolts garnered comparisons to Captain America: Civil War, as it shares similarities in its storytelling and team dynamics, yet failed to match the high standards set by the latter.
- In the Thunderbolts adaptation, Olga Kurylenko played a role directed by Jake Schreier, adding to the movie's star-studded cast.
- The film, rated acceptable, featured callbacks to previous Marvel movies and ventured into international waters, merging Bollywood and Hollywood entertainment genres in its OTT releases.
- Critics applauded the action sequences and visual effects in Thunderbolts, praising the movie's blend of humor and intense action similar to the MCU's golden era.
- Despite positive reviews, some argue that Thunderbolts is the best of the MCU's recent crop of films, but not the game-changer the franchise needs, sparking debates about the current state of Marvel's films and viewer fatigue.
