[REVIEW] Thunderbolts* - Best MCU Movie of the Year (So Far)

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The film is seen as a turning point in the post-Infinity Saga era, showcasing Marvel's ability to deliver compelling stories.

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"Thunderbolts*" is a Marvel Cinematic Universe film that has received positive reviews from critics, with an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score above 90%. The film is considered a potential course correction for the MCU following the poorly received "Captain America: Brave New World" from February 2025. Early indications suggest that this 36th entry in the franchise brings fresh energy through its focus on complex characters, darker themes, and distinctive tone.

Jake Schreier, making his Marvel directorial debut, has been praised for his unique vision for "Thunderbolts*", which offers a distinct look and feel while maintaining the franchise's identity. Critics like Joe Magidson of Awards Radar praise how Schreier uses indie sensibilities, resulting in a grounded aesthetic that serves the film's darker themes and character-focused narrative.

The film deviates from typical Marvel entries, focusing on deeper themes, particularly mental health. Critics note that the film feels "self-aware" in acknowledging the absence of the original Avengers and paralleling Marvel's real-world struggles to establish new characters post-Endgame. This meta-awareness seems to work in favor of the film, rather than detracting from it. The film's tone is a welcome change from typical Marvel entries.

Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman have been praised for their exceptional performances in "The Avengers," with Pullman's portrayal of a character dealing with mental illness being described as brilliant, balancing the character's broken mind and showcasing the dangers of untreated mental illness. Critics like Lauren LaMagna and Eric Francisco praise Pullman's portrayal as both menacing and deeply sympathetic, highlighting the dark character and motif for Marvel and Disney Studios.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as Valentina, portrayed as a threatening woman villain. The ensemble cast's strength elevates the film, but some critics express disappointment in the use of Taskmaster, a character who experienced significant trauma. One Reddit commenter criticized the film for not providing a meaningful arc for Valentina, highlighting the need for more character development.

The post-credits scenes of Marvel Studios' "Thunderbolts" feature two parts, each serving different purposes. The mid-credit scene features Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian) in a humorous, lighthearted moment where he tries to convince another shopper to buy a box of Wheaties cereal featuring himself and his Thunderbolts teammates. This scene adds character depth and humor but does not significantly advance the main MCU narrative.

The main post-credits scene is more significant for the MCU's future. The Thunderbolts team is shown discussing rebranding themselves as the "New Avengers," but they receive a cease and desist letter from Captain America, Sam Wilson, who claims the "Avengers" name is trademarked and is forming his own team. An alarm sounds, and a massive spacecraft enters Earth's atmosphere, prominently displaying the Fantastic Four logo, signaling the arrival of the Fantastic Four on Earth-616. This scene confirms that the U.S. government has officially sanctioned the Thunderbolts as a new Avengers team and sets up a direct narrative link to the upcoming "Fantastic Four: First Steps" movie and the broader MCU storyline, particularly leading into "Avengers: Doomsday."

"Thunderbolts*" is a creative triumph for Marvel Studios, despite its struggles with consistency. Critics praise its character-focused approach, distinctive tone, impressive performances, and exploration of darker themes. The film is seen as a turning point in the post-Infinity Saga era, showcasing Marvel's ability to deliver compelling stories.

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About the Writer

Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.

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