Movie Review: THUNDERBOLTS*

The Marvel Cinematic Universe went back to it’s roots for the 36th film of the MCU - THUNBERBOLTS* - about a ragtag group of loveable losers who have to band together to save mankind from a planet-threatening force.

And…darned it all…it really, really works!

Why? Simply because the group of “lovable losers” are more lovable than losers and Director Jake Schreier (the under-rated ROBOT & FRANK) and Screenwriter Lee Sung Jin (BEEF) wisely decide to focus on the characters, their arcs (and redemptions) without overshadowing it by the spectacle and special effects and the result is an emotionally satisfying drama/comedy/action flick that will appeal to many.

They also introduce the characters that eventually will end up becoming the THUNDERBOLTS* in such a way that one does not (necessarily) need to have seen any previous MCU films to understand what’s going on (but watching the BLACK WIDOW movie and the TV Series FALCON & THE WINTER SOLDIER is helpful).

And this is because THUNDERBOLTS* is populated from some strong, charismatic actors/characters starting with the incomparable Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova - sister of Scarlett Johansson’s BLACK WIDOW. She carries this film dramatically, emotionally, comedically and action-ly (if that is a word). She is a true quadruple-threat in this film.

She is counter-parted by David Harbour as Yelana’s “fake father”, also known as RED GUARDIAN. Harbour’s out-of-shape, out-of-touch former hero who makes no secret of wanting to get back into the Super-Hero game is - by far - the funniest thing in the film.

By contrast, Wyatt Russell’s fallen Captain America, John Walker is sullen and angry and has (probably) the best redemption arc of all these characters as John Walker goes from a character of scorn to one that is truly one to root for at the end.

Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier), Hanna John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost) and Lewis Pullman (the lovable “Bob”) all add to the comradery of this group that is rivaled only, perhaps, by the camaraderie of the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY.

And then there is Julia Louis-Dreyfuss as the “don’t trust her” head of this group, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. She is the “anti-Nick Fury” as her character has no scruples or morals but we love to watch her as she slithers through the proceedings like the snake that she is.

This being a Marvel Super-Hero movie, there is plenty of action and special effects, but Director Schreier wisely eschews the “punchy, punchy, smashy, smashy” finale that most of these films have for one that is more thoughtful, emotional and esoteric - and it works well.

Oh…and if you go to this film…STAY for the scene at the end of the credits…it sets up the future of the MCU.

The Best MCU film since AVENGERS: ENDGAME, check out THUNDERBOLTS*, you’ll be glad you did.

Letter Grade: A

9 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to theBank(ofMarquis)