Thunderbolts* (English) Movie Review: THUNDERBOLTS revives the MCU glory
Marvel’s latest film, Thunderbolts (2025), brings together a team of complex antiheroes—but is it enough to reignite interest in the MCU?
A New Marvel Movie with Familiar Fatigue
Marvel Studios returns with Thunderbolts, the 36th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Released on the franchise’s 17th anniversary, this film attempts to close out Phase 5 with a bang. Instead, it opens with a sigh—both from its main character and the audience.
Florence Pugh stars as Yelena Belova, a skilled assassin questioning her purpose. Set atop a skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur, the opening scene sets the tone: introspective, slow, and soaked in superhero fatigue.
What Is Thunderbolts (2025) About?
Thunderbolts brings together several characters from previous MCU films in an uneasy alliance:
- Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
- Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan)
- John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell)
- Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)
- Alexei/Red Guardian (David Harbour)
- Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)
Valentina, now a powerful figure in U.S. intelligence, sends the team on a secret mission. But betrayal and hidden agendas soon surface. The plot twists into a darker narrative about trauma, loyalty, and redemption.
Stellar Cast Elevates a Weak Script
While Thunderbolts struggles with a muddled story and uneven pacing, the ensemble cast delivers standout performances:
- Florence Pugh gives Yelena emotional depth and resilience.
- David Harbour brings humor and heart as the aging Red Guardian.
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus adds sharp wit and eerie relevance as Valentina, channeling a mix of power and parody.
- Geraldine Viswanathan is a fresh presence as Valentina’s frazzled assistant.
Their chemistry keeps the film engaging, even when the story loses momentum.
Marvel’s Ongoing Identity Crisis
Thunderbolts feels like another product of the MCU machine—packed with sarcasm, flashbacks, and setup for future films. Yet it occasionally pauses to explore deeper themes like grief, moral compromise, and the need for connection.
Director Jake Schreier balances action with emotional beats, but the movie never fully commits to either. It wants to be both self-aware and sincere, which creates tonal whiplash.
Is Thunderbolts Worth Watching?
Despite its flaws, Thunderbolts isn’t a total misfire. It’s a decent entry for MCU fans and a modest step forward after a string of less memorable films. For those invested in Marvel’s expanding universe, this antihero team-up offers a mix of dark comedy, action, and personal drama.
Pros:
- Strong performances from a top-tier cast
- Character-driven moments with real emotional weight
- A few clever nods to the state of superhero cinema
Cons:
- Weak plot with too much exposition
- Over-reliance on MCU backstory
- Uneven tone and pacing
Final Verdict
Rating: 2.5/5
Thunderbolts (2025) may not be the Marvel comeback some hoped for, but it offers enough intrigue and heart to keep audiences mildly entertained. The film is another cog in the Marvel machine—but at least it’s a shiny one.
See It or Skip It?
If you’re a Marvel fan eager to see where the MCU heads next, Thunderbolts is worth checking out for the cast alone. If you’re suffering from superhero fatigue, you might want to sit this one out.
Watch Thunderbolts (2025) Now
Thunderbolts is rated PG-13 and showing in theaters nationwide. Run time: 126 minutes.
Don’t miss out—book your tickets today and decide for yourself if Marvel’s antiheroes can still pack a punch.
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