[REVIEW] Marvel's 'THUNDERBOLTS*' Proves Darker Can Still Be Fun!

Marvel Studios has once again taken the cinematic world by storm with its latest release, Thunderbolts. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film steps away from the traditional superhero trope, offering a dark, compelling narrative centered around misfit characters. As the Avengers take a backseat, these anti-heroes rise to the occasion, presenting a fresh yet heavy take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Key Takeaways

• The screenplay by Eric Pearson and Joanne Callo stands out, offering a cohesive and deliberate narrative that resonates with audiences, reminiscent of Marvel's earlier successes.

• Despite its dark themes, the movie manages to weave in familiar Marvel tones, making it both unique and reminiscent of beloved entries like Infinity War.

• Character development is a strong suit, with each member of the Thunderbolts ensemble given meaningful arcs, though some are more fleshed out than others.

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A Cohesive and Deliberate Screenplay

At the heart of Thunderbolts lies the standout screenplay crafted by Eric Pearson and Joanne Callo. Pearson, renowned for his work on Thor: Ragnarok and Black Widow, collaborates with Callo, known for her behind-the-scenes role in shows like The Bear and Hacks. The writing duo effectively answers the crucial questions, ensuring that “everything in this feels on purpose and that there was an absolute plan.”

It never feel thrown together like a lot of the movies that we've seen throughout the MCU. This deliberate nature of the screenplay ensures that every character's action serves a purpose, forging a tight narrative that holds audiences' attention throughout its runtime. The decision to mold a narrative around characters who aren't traditionally heroic adds a dimension of depth and intrigue that challenges the conventional superhero formula.

This careful crafting extends to world-building within the film. You really get dropped into an entirely different world. I must highlight the immersive emotional experience that Thunderbolts offers audiences. This approach not only refreshes the narrative landscape but also sets a solid foundation for future Marvel endeavors.

A Dark yet Familiar Tone

While Thunderbolts delves into dark territories of mental health, neglect, self discovery and grief, its execution is balanced by familiar tones that Marvel fans have come to appreciate. The film’s narrative is notably “very heavy” and possesses a “very dark” aesthetic, both visually and thematically. However, it navigates these themes without losing its appeal to a broader audience.

It never feel like your average MCU movie. A lot of the rules get broken in this film, in a way where it feels very fresh and […] very engaging. This bold departure from tradition encapsulates a sense of freshness while maintaining the emotional depth that fans have come to expect from Marvel films.

There's a conscious blend of the heavy and the light, which is described as feeling akin to The Boys series from Prime video, yet distinctly Marvel-esque. However, some scenes may remind viewers of The Boys, but the credit goes to the heavy topics and emotion and that light Marvel tone which create a narrative that stands on its own.

Deep Character Arcs and the Strength of Ensemble Chemistry

Character development in Thunderbolts sits at the forefront, serving as the film's emotional core. I am compelled to hail the ensemble's chemistry, likening it to the dynamics observed in Infinity War. Each character receives a satisfying arc, with David Harbor’s Red Guardian and Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes delivering particularly memorable performances. Harbor, in particular, is praised for providing the narrative's “heart,” acting as the audience’s viewpoint as events unfold.

Red Guardian, David Harbor is the heart of this film. He saves the day a lot. Narratively. He is like the eyes of the fans. We share excitement as fans with Red Guardian. Additionally, Bucky’s presence anchors the film, reminding long-time MCU fans of their shared history with these characters and within this world.

Nevertheless, not all characters receive equal treatment. Hannah John-Kamen’s character, Ghost, while intriguing when introduced in Antman and The Wasp, “could have been explored” further. There is an eagerness for more narrative exploration, with her. Something’s missed with that character in this movie.

A Fresh Exploration of Redemption and Heroism

Thunderbolts offers a fresh perspective in an era where heroism is often painted in binary colors. It captures the complexity of redemption and the nuanced motivations that drive its characters. The film’s portrayal of anti-heroes and villains tasked with saving the day provides a narrative richness that breaks away from traditional hero stories.

Thunderbolts really makes it feel cool to be the bad guy in this movie particularly and not only provides an introspective look into each character but also challenges the audience to grapple with moral ambiguity. It’s a vivid exploration of what defines heroism and how redemption can manifest in unexpected forms.

Going forward, we can only hope the MCU seems poised to expand on this thematic exploration, promising fans a diverse slate of narratives leading into titans like Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday. The seamless execution of Thunderbolts suggests a promising trajectory for Marvel as it continues to innovate within the superhero genre.

In essence, Thunderbolts draws viewers into a world where the constructs of good and evil are fluid, inviting them to witness a story where anti-heroes rise as unexpected saviors. As the film leaves its mark, it not only enriches the MCU landscape but also sparks anticipation for what's next in this ever-evolving cinematic universe.

See Thunderbolts in theaters and Imax May 2.