Thunderbolts
The MCU’s latest film is surprisingly entertaining, heartfelt, and the best entry into this cinematic universe in the last two years.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been trying to find its feet ever since the end of the Infinity Saga in 2019. Since then, most Marvel films have been struggling to reach the level of authenticity and flair needed to make a successful and well-made superhero film.
It should be stated that I am a Marvel fan. I used to be a mega fan but post-infinity saga I have struggled to connect with the franchise and it’s very rare that I leave the theatre having enjoyed myself. I’m glad to say that Thunderbolts was one of those positive experiences.
The marketing leading up to its release was quite masterful, with Marvel deciding to tap into the craft of filmmaking rather than “oh look ... big red hulk ... grrrr”. Initial trailers showcased the main craftsmen and their resume’s; writer & director of Beef, cinematographer of The Green Knight, editor of Minari, etc. With all these films being indie productions rather than big budget productions, fans were optimistic that finally Marvel was paying attention to the critiques and making a real movie. Director Jake Schreier states that this was not the intention when the film was originally pitched and was a result of Schreier goofing around about how many A24 alumni were part of the cast and crew. Kevin Fiege liked it and ran with it. All this to say that while Marvel is trying to appeal to a wider filmic audience with Thunderbolts, this is still your same old Marvel fanfare.
Instead of focussing on the mainline superheroes, Thunderbolts decides to take five independent & standoff-ish anti-heroes and turn them into a team working together to confront their traumas and defeat evil – as all great heroes should. This team is comprised of Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko). In the comics, this team comes to fruition in the absence of the Avengers and disguise themselves as villains. The translation to the big screen paints these characters less as villains and more as misunderstood people who have had dark pasts but are set on changing themselves for the better and saving the world where they can.
Thunderbolts is quite a big step-up from the likes of Captain America: Brave New World and Deadpool and Wolverine. Both of which were incredibly hard to get through. Thunderbolts deals with heavy themes while also showcasing great action sequences and set pieces that keep you on your toes. It’s a controlled film that elevates itself through its dark themes and the way it deals with PTSD, depression, and loneliness. These elements are presented with care and attention, while also ensuring there’s doses of laughter scattered throughout. It’s clear Schreier was given more freewill than is usual for a Marvel film.
As of late the VFX in these multi-hundred-million-dollar Marvel films has been a hot topic of conversation. They are quite often appalling, mainly due to the terrible constraints and timelines VFX artists are made to work in by this big corporation. Luckily for Thunderbolts, there’s rarely a moment of bad CGI, with the crew also deciding to use practical sets & stunts for those big action moments. It was quite refreshing to see and kept me fully immersed in the film rather than constantly rolling my eyes at any obvious green screen scenes. The action is choreographed well against these mostly practical backgrounds and the actors have great chemistry whether they’re fighting or embracing each other.
The standout is Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova; she is heartfelt while also being super badass and transforms herself completely into Belova, further cementing herself as a true movie star. Her chemistry with Lewis Pullman - who’s character I won’t spoil – is beautiful and is one of the many beating hearts of the film.
Now, this isn’t the greatest Marvel film you'll ever see and, like the Thunderbolts themselves, it’s not perfect. But if you’re after a film that will take your mind off the outside world for a couple of hours and will make you a tad emotional, I’d highly recommend giving Thunderbolts a go. It is big, bold, and has a few important messages to take for those willing to dig deeper. Consequently, it begs the question, who gets to decide our legacy?
Thunderbolts* is in cinemas now!
