'Thunderbolts*' Review: Why Marvel's Misfit Team Might Just Be Worth Your Time

For Marvel fans, Thunderbolts* may well be remembered as the film that got the hobbling MCU franchise back on track or at least, that's the fervent hope of those who've diligently kept up with every sequel, spinoff, and TV series Marvel has pumped into the oversaturated marketplace. The studio, and its devoted followers, yearn to recapture the magic of the Avengers era. But those viewing hours are gone forever, along with the feeling that staying current with Marvel was essential to cultural discourse. But is this asterisk-laden title hiding something truly worthwhile?

Peter Debruge, in his original review of 'Thunderbolts*', suggests that the film, led by Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, aka the new Black Widow, offers a different flavor than the typical MCU fare. Instead of cosmic threats and world-ending stakes, Thunderbolts* dives into the messy lives of a team of D-list antiheroes forced to work together for the greater good or at least, what someone else perceives as the greater good.

The Asterisk and the Antihero: Embracing Imperfection

The titular asterisk isn't just a stylistic flourish; it's a metaphor for the entire premise. These aren't your shiny, morally upright Avengers. They're flawed, damaged, and often making questionable choices. They're the characters who didn't quite fit into the grand narrative, the ones with complicated pasts and uncertain futures. This embrace of imperfection is perhaps Thunderbolts* greatest strength.

The film centers around Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), still grappling with the loss of her sister, Natasha Romanoff. She's joined by a ragtag group including:

• Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan): The Winter Soldier, still haunted by his past as a brainwashed assassin. His presence is crucial, offering a bridge to the established MCU while highlighting the themes of redemption and trauma.
• John Walker (Wyatt Russell): The US Agent, a failed Captain America replacement struggling with his own inadequacies and rage.
• Red Guardian (David Harbour): Yelena's adoptive father and a self-proclaimed superhero with a penchant for tall tales.
• Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen): A former antagonist with phasing abilities, seeking a cure for her condition.
• Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko): A formidable fighter capable of mimicking any fighting style.

This collection of misfits, thrown together by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), offers a dynamic that's both humorous and surprisingly poignant. They're not saving the world because they want to; they're doing it because they have to, or because someone is forcing them to.

Self-Deprecating Humor and Mental Health

Thunderbolts* doesn't shy away from poking fun at itself and the broader MCU. The characters are aware of their B-list status and the absurdity of their situation. This self-deprecating humor allows the film to address serious issues, such as trauma, guilt, and the search for redemption, without becoming overly sentimental.

Bucky Barnes' ongoing struggle with his past as the Winter Soldier is a central theme. He's constantly battling the programming and memories that haunt him. Similarly, John Walker grapples with the pressure of living up to the legacy of Captain America and the consequences of his own actions. The film explores these characters' mental health struggles with a surprising degree of sensitivity, making them relatable and sympathetic despite their flaws.

The Obscure Corner of the MCU

One of the most intriguing aspects of "Thunderbolts*" is its reliance on obscure characters and storylines. This isn't a film that panders to casual viewers. It requires a certain level of knowledge of the deeper corners of the MCU to fully appreciate the nuances and references. While this might alienate some viewers, it also rewards dedicated fans who have invested time in exploring the less mainstream aspects of the Marvel universe.

The inclusion of characters like Ghost and Taskmaster, who haven't had significant screen time since their initial appearances, suggests that Marvel is willing to take risks and explore new avenues. It also hints at a larger, more interconnected narrative that extends beyond the core Avengers storyline. Thunderbolts* isn't just a standalone film; it's a piece of a larger puzzle.

Is 'Thunderbolts*' Worth Watching?

The ultimate question is: Is "Thunderbolts*" worth your time and money? The answer is complex. If you're expecting a traditional superhero film with epic battles and clear-cut heroes and villains, you might be disappointed. Thunderbolts* is a different kind of Marvel movie. It's smaller in scale, more character-driven, and more focused on exploring the moral ambiguities of the superhero world.

However, if you're looking for a film that offers a fresh perspective on the MCU, embraces flawed characters, and doesn't take itself too seriously, then Thunderbolts* might be exactly what you're looking for. It's a film that rewards deep knowledge of the Marvel universe, but it's also accessible enough for casual viewers to enjoy.

The performance of the cast, especially Florence Pugh, is a major highlight. She brings a sardonic wit and vulnerability to Yelena Belova that makes her instantly compelling. Sebastian Stan delivers another nuanced performance as Bucky Barnes, showcasing the character's inner turmoil and struggle for redemption. The ensemble cast works well together, creating a believable and entertaining team dynamic.

The Rotten Tomatoes Factor

Of course, no discussion of a Marvel film is complete without mentioning Rotten Tomatoes. The film's critical reception will undoubtedly play a role in its overall success. While early reviews have been mixed, the film's unique approach and strong performances could win over audiences and critics alike. It's important to remember that Rotten Tomatoes is just one measure of a film's quality, and it shouldn't be the sole factor in deciding whether or not to watch it.

The Future of the MCU: Thunderbolts and Beyond

Thunderbolts* represents a potential turning point for the MCU. After a series of underwhelming sequels and spinoffs, the franchise needs a shot in the arm. By focusing on flawed characters and exploring more morally ambiguous storylines, Marvel could revitalize its brand and appeal to a wider audience. The success of "Thunderbolts*" could pave the way for more experimental and unconventional films in the future.

The film's ending leaves several questions unanswered and sets up potential storylines for future installments. It's clear that the Thunderbolts are here to stay, and their actions will likely have significant consequences for the broader MCU. Whether they become heroes, villains, or something in between remains to be seen.

Final Verdict

Thunderbolts* is a flawed but ultimately rewarding film that offers a fresh perspective on the Marvel universe. It's not a perfect movie, but its willingness to take risks, embrace flawed characters, and explore more morally ambiguous storylines makes it a worthwhile addition to the MCU canon. The asterisk in the title might be a mystery, but the real reason to watch Thunderbolts* is the fascinating group of rejects at its core, and the potential they hold for the future of the franchise.