Thunderbolts* review: The emotional reset every Marvel fan needed desperately!

Staying true to its plot, Thunderbolts brings Marvel’s misfit anti-heroes together and helps fans find the light in the cinematic darkness that Marvel has been in lately.

What happens when a group of misfits come together to form a team? It might seem like a desperate attempt by a franchise to save itself from becoming just another bad joke, however, surprisingly, Marvel’s effort to unite all these underdogs with Thunderbolts* actually works. In fact, it knocks it out of the park, keeping every fan's hope alive that it’s worth waiting for another Marvel movie. 

Recovering and dealing with their own past failures, and desperately looking for ways to make the best of their powers, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost, Taskmaster, John Walker (Wyatt Russell) and now a council member, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), end up on a mission that forces them to work together. But while trying to come to terms with this new team-up, they are forced to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. 

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A high-octane action movie that is emotional and grounding at the core, Thunderbolts* is the perfect weekend binge you need right now. Considering how we were presented with a stale reintroduction to our new Cap with a very disappointing foundation to Red Hulk, what could have been an exciting addition to the MCU, the movie about anti-heroes really came through. Bringing together every unconventional savior, Marvel sets the perfect stage for its next grand event, which leads to them fighting Dr. Doom. There is never a dull moment in the film. You are, in fact, taken back to the first Avengers film, with each character having a fun banter with another, only to fit together like lost puzzle pieces ultimately.

It is refreshing despite the done and dusted idea of misfits trying to be a team with an over-dramatisation of depression. You feel seen in a lot of moments, when the characters are doubting themselves and trying to find the meaning of it all. The fights in the film are all you would expect from an MCU film that revolves around trained individuals, but they never overpower the plot. Surprisingly, it is the emotions that shine along with dialogues that truly make you believe that Marvel is back, for the 87th time. The cheeky conversations, beautifully wrapped in humor, especially in situations that could be otherwise traumatizing, remind us of our original heroes, who became our favorites for that very reason. 

Another thing that the film gets right is introducing a new character and his abilities. Sentry and his all-conquering powers are introduced in the most impressive, realistic, and eerie way possible. You fear for what he could be, hoping that he changes his mind to join our Earth's mightiest anti-heroes and not go against them. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, on the other hand, becomes our reminder of how some humans can be evil without superhuman abilities. People may end up comparing and thinking of Val as the new Nick Fury, but thankfully, it's not that. She is a power-hungry, bad guy who believes that "Righteousness without power is just an opinion." She is clearly trying to fit into Fury's shoes with her own set of heroes to control but is often seen failing at executing her plans. Her manipulative tactics are the reason you end up rooting for our bunch of villains turned heroes.

Remember the Absolute Cinema trailer by Marvel, designed in an A24 style, reminding us of all the amazing technicians and actors who were part of this film? Well, seems like this team-up definitely worked because it was everything you would have expected from them. These actors masterfully brought their art and talent to these characters, giving us some of the best MCU moments in recent times. Florence Pugh catches you by your throat and makes you look into your emotions. Her charismatic personality and classic frown surprise you as you start feeling emotions in a film about enhanced individuals. With her most talked-about sky-rise jump from the start of the film to her walking into the void, she keeps adding character to a plot that could have ended up being another hero film. Lewis Pullman, as the eerie and confused Sentry, was able to make us sympathise with him while being totally terrified of what could be. He feels like a refreshing addition to this universe that's about to deal with another beyond the space villain.

David Harbour's Red Guardian turns into the perfect dad figure even as an unserious, refusing to retire former superhero still chasing his glory days. A relief among the misfits dealing with their own trauma and mission, you look forward to his presence on the screen. It was established in Captain America: Brave New World that Sebastian's Bucky has grown from being just a sidekick. He is no longer running away from the world but carving his space as he embraces the responsibility that comes with being one of the few original superheroes remaining. As a man of a few words, it's amusing to see him in situations where he has to speak, especially now that he is a council member. Wyatt Russell aka Walker is more than just a knockoff Captain America, although he makes sure to keep reminding us of his gig that lasted for a brief period. He is quick-witted, sarcastic, and someone who's dealing with his own insecurity of failing to keep up with the morally idolised American hero. The only characters you end up being disappointed with are Hannah John-Kamen's Ghost and Olga Kurylenko's Taskmaster. While the latter had hardly any moments to shine, Hannah's Ghost managed to make do with what was offered of her.

Directed by Jake Schreier and written by Eric Pearson, Thunderbolts* manages to give us a superhero film that served as a poignant reminder that everyone has their demons and it often takes asking for help to learn how to cope with them. As a franchise that allows people's inner child to shine, this newest addition is truly one that tugs at your heart.

Thunderbolts* is running in theatres near you.