The Marvel Cinematic Universe is full of super soldiers and powered individuals, but Thunderbolts* feels undeniably true to life. Much of that authenticity has to do with the ragtag group of rejects and antiheroes at the center of the narrative. Some of it has to do with the villainy of Valentine Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). The combination is a driving force that makes Thunderbolts* one of Marvel’s best stories.
Thunderbolts* is raw, emotional, and real. The humor seems a tad too much at times, but the action and sentiment are well executed by a talented cast. The movie is paced well and doesn’t draw anything out. Every minute is worthwhile and moves the narrative forward. It fits well into the MCU and builds upon the franchise organically.
Amidst the action, laughs, and terror, however, heart makes Thunderbolts* one to remember and cherish.
This Thunderbolts* review contains spoilers.
Heartbreak and Humanity in Thunderbolts*
A group comprised of Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Bob/Sentry (Lewis Pullman), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour) and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) is just as chaotic as one would imagine. But their combined chaos works.
They fight, yell, and bicker from start to finish. They might not all necessarily like one another, but they can all understand one another — see their humanity. That recognition is imperative for how they can be heroes and embrace their potential to do good. In the end, the insults thrown come from a place of (partial) endearment instead of complete ridicule.
Yelena and Bob, in particular, establish a bond early on. Their characters, collectively and separately, are among the best parts of Thunderbolts*. Pugh and Pullman are stellar as their respective characters. The similar darkness that Yelena and Bob have experienced brings them together and ultimately saves the world—or at least New York City—from the umpteenth world-ending event it experienced. Your heart breaks for the pain they’ve been through, but you will be warmed by the connection they create.
During a time when empathy is more essential than ever, Yelena and Bob are a reminder of how we should see and treat one another. They remind us how, in battles against darkness, having people who see you for yourself will bring light into your life.
Up Close and Personal with the Thunderbolts*
In an MCU where characters’ stories aren’t always fleshed out enough, Thunderbolts* does a good job of expanding on several characters’ narratives. They all have that defining moment of heroism to mark a clear shift toward good and achieving proper redemption.
Yelena’s struggles with depression, purpose, and identity are very relatable. Albeit sad, addressing Yelena’s trauma is essential for the character arc she deserves. In Thunderbolts*, that journey helps her discover innate leadership qualities that serve her well as she firmly becomes a hero. The “Thunderbolts” moniker originating from Yelena’s story, her peewee soccer team in Ohio, is also a meaningful way to establish her leadership and adapt the name to fit the MCU.
Bob’s backstory explains his place in the film without overdoing it. His darkness may be complex, but it’s used simply to show how Sentry and the Void become the terrors they are. The contrast between Bob and Sentry is stark. You’ll sob for Bob, who will surely become beloved by the fandom, and find intrigue and fear in his superpowered counterpart.
Bucky finally gets to be his own person in Thunderbolts*. Beyond the mention of such in Captain America: Brave New World, details about his Congressional run would’ve been nice. But it was still great seeing him lead and how he lives without the weight of his past at the forefront.
Alexei continues to yearn for his glory days as Red Guardian and hides behind a facade of being “so full, so filled.” He isn’t given much more depth in Thunderbolts* but has a key experience with Yelena that proves he can truly be an understanding, supportive father and not just a dad to be embarrassed by.
John’s traumatic flashback addresses how he became too consumed by negative criticism to be an attentive father and husband. It’s all that’s needed to bridge the gap from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier to Thunderbolts*. Ava’s story doesn’t receive additional depth, but Ant-Man and the Wasp describes her narrative enough. Her story could have ended there, but was continued in Thunderbolts*, so her inclusion in Thunderbolts* feels rewarding and easy to accept.
One of the few problems of the film is Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster, who never becomes a Thunderbolt. She dies early on, and it doesn’t change or add anything. The movie could still turn out exactly the same, so it feels like a disservice to a character who has always received criticism for being different from the comics version.
Taskmaster’s death isn’t shocking. Yelena is upset by the event, but there’s no lingering grief or guilt from anyone. From the audience’s perspective, Taskmaster was hardly featured in promotional material, so many fans anticipated her death.
Taskmaster’s passing can perhaps be Ava’s harmful event to parallel Yelena’s first Red Room test or John’s neglectful parenting. But that’s not how the moment is executed. Having a more personal moment that haunts Ava would’ve been more effective.
Valentina Becomes a Legitimate Villain in Thunderbolts*
First introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Valentina was never particularly likable, but she’s more interesting than ever as the true antagonist in Thunderbolts*.
She claims a commitment to public safety and security, but her hunger for power and recognition stands out above all else. That desire nearly becomes her hubris — twice. But she’s a master manipulator. She’ll do whatever she needs to save herself. That includes incinerating several of her employees, a brutal act she didn’t hesitate to command.
Watching her was infuriating, especially when she expertly takes advantage of Bob for her own gain. Valentina doesn’t even care about Bob — only Sentry. But that’s part of what makes her a compelling character. She’s proof that, sometimes, the most effective villain is just another ordinary human.
Giving Valentina an assistant in Mel (Geraldine Viswanathan) adds a captivating layer to the CIA director’s role in Thunderbolts*. Mel doesn’t have blind allegiance to her boss. Mel could have easily just been nothing more than the assistant, but her hesitance to have complete faith in Valentina makes her a proper character — an actual human. This lets Valentina showcase her power and influence from a different perspective.
What will be interesting to see, though, is how (or whether) Valentina can still overpower the New Avengers now that they, as Yelena put it, “own her.”
