Thunderbolts* Review: That Mysterious Asterisk Masks the Real Reason to Watch These Six Marvel Rejects

Florence Pugh leads a group of D-list antiheroes in a film that balances self-deprecating comedy with mental health concerns, relying on deep knowledge of obscure characters to make sense of the MCU going forward. As Peter Debruge explores, the film navigates the treacherous waters of superhero fatigue with a surprisingly fresh perspective.

For Marvel fans, Thunderbolts* may well be remembered as the film that got the hobbling MCU franchise back on track although thats mostly just wishful thinking from the suckers whove been faithfully keeping up with every sequel, spinoff and TV series Marvel pumps into the oversaturated marketplace. They, like the super-successful comics studio, keep hoping to re-create the thrill of the Avengers movies. But those viewing hours are gone forever, and so too is the feeling that keeping up with Marvel was somehow vital to the larger cultural conversation. You can find Peter Debruge's full take on the film at Variety.

Thunderbolts* isnt trying to recapture the Avengers magic. Instead, its aiming for something different: a dose of grounded, often uncomfortable, reality injected into the bombastic world of superheroes. The asterisk in the title is a clue a wink and a nod that this isnt your typical Marvel fare. It's an acknowledgment that this team, cobbled together from the fringes of the MCU, isn't exactly A-list material. They're the B-team, the rejects, the characters that most audiences probably forgot existed.

A Ragtag Team for a Cynical Age

The core of the film revolves around six characters, each wrestling with their own baggage: Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), the sardonic and brutally efficient Black Widow successor; Bucky Barnes (sebastian stan), the Winter Soldier haunted by his past as a brainwashed assassin; John Walker (Wyatt Russell), the disgraced U.S. Agent struggling with his own fragile ego; Red Guardian (David Harbour), the boisterous and delusional Soviet super-soldier; Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), a formidable fighter with the ability to mimic any physical action; and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), a phasing assassin seeking redemption.

This isn't a team forged from friendship or shared ideals. They're brought together by circumstance, coerced into service by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a shadowy figure with her own agenda. Their interactions are often awkward, fueled by distrust and resentment. But within this dysfunctional dynamic lies the film's greatest strength.

Comedy with a Conscience

Thunderbolts* leans heavily into self-deprecating humor. The characters are acutely aware of their status as second-tier heroes, and the film doesn't shy away from poking fun at the absurdity of their situation. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the performances are uniformly excellent, with each actor bringing a distinct personality to their role.

However, beneath the comedic surface, the film grapples with serious issues. Many of the characters suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Bucky Barnes's struggle with his past trauma is a central theme, and the film explores the psychological toll of being a super-soldier in a world that doesn't always understand or appreciate their sacrifices. Decoding 'Thunderbolts*': Beyond the Asterisk, Discovering the Real Reason to Embrace Marvel's Misfits explores this topic in more detail.

The film doesn't shy away from portraying these issues with sensitivity and nuance. It acknowledges the complexities of mental health and avoids resorting to simplistic or reductive portrayals. This willingness to engage with difficult subjects sets Thunderbolts* apart from many other superhero films.

Deep Cuts and MCU Connections

To fully appreciate Thunderbolts*, a certain degree of familiarity with the MCU is required. The film references events and characters from previous films and TV series, and some of the plot points may be confusing to viewers who haven't been keeping up. But even for casual fans, the film is still enjoyable, thanks to its strong characters and engaging story.

For hardcore Marvel enthusiasts, Thunderbolts* is a treasure trove of Easter eggs and deep-cut references. The film draws heavily from the Thunderbolts comics, which have a long and convoluted history. It also introduces new characters and plot threads that could have significant implications for the future of the MCU.

A Critical Eye: Navigating the Rotten Tomatoes Landscape

Of course, no superhero film is immune to the scrutiny of critics and the fickle nature of online reviews. Looking at the aggregate score on rotten tomatoes, its clear that "Thunderbolts*" has divided audiences and critics alike. Some praise its willingness to take risks and its fresh approach to the superhero genre, while others criticize its convoluted plot and its reliance on obscure characters. Such varied responses are understandable given the film's experimental nature.

Its important to remember that critical consensus is just one factor to consider when deciding whether or not to see a film. Ultimately, the best way to form your own opinion is to watch the movie for yourself.

The Future of the MCU?

Thunderbolts* is a gamble for Marvel. It's a departure from the established formula, and it's not guaranteed to appeal to all audiences. But it's also a sign that Marvel is willing to take risks and experiment with new ideas. Whether or not it succeeds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Thunderbolts* is a film that will be talked about for a long time.

Highlights of 'Thunderbolts*'

• Florence Pugh's compelling performance as Yelena Belova continues to solidify her place as a leading force in the MCU.
• The film's exploration of mental health issues adds depth and complexity to the superhero genre.
• The self-deprecating humor provides a refreshing contrast to the often-serious tone of other Marvel films.
• The deep-cut references and Easter eggs will delight hardcore Marvel fans.
• Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Bucky Barnes offers a nuanced look at the character's ongoing struggles.

Potential Drawbacks

• The convoluted plot may be confusing for viewers who aren't familiar with the MCU.
• The film's reliance on obscure characters may alienate some audiences.
• The tonal shifts between comedy and drama can be jarring at times.
• The film's ending leaves several plot threads unresolved, setting up future installments.

A Final Verdict

Thunderbolts* is a flawed but ultimately rewarding film. It's not perfect, but it's ambitious, thought-provoking, and genuinely funny. It's a refreshing change of pace from the typical superhero fare, and it offers a glimpse into the future of the MCU. Whether that future involves more teams of misfit anti-heroes remains to be seen, but "Thunderbolts*" makes a compelling case for their continued existence.