Thunderbolts*
From IMDb:
Not super. Not heroes. Not giving up.
After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, an unconventional team of antiheroes must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.
Director: Jake Schreier
Writers: Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
Starring: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen
Genres: Political Drama, Superhero, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references.
The anti-heroes are back for more adventure in this film. The cast is full of your favorites, charged with a new mission.
So, in the photo to the right, at the top is John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), above Yelena is Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), and squished into the left-hand corner is Bob (Lewis Pullman).
They are an unlikely set of misfits who must team together to fight a superpower like no other.
We’ve seen it before, but the main difference with this Marvel movie is that the jokes are appropriate to the situations. So when the characters are deeply ruminating on their pasts and all the horrible things they have done, it’s a serious moment with true reflection. You don’t get to look away as it turns into a joke.
And that is a good thing, if you ask me. I’ll admit, I spent parts of this movie in tears, especially near the end. But how glad was I when the characters were forced to face their pasts instead of just superheroing (new word?) over it, like it’s something to laugh at. This type of emotional depth has been missing in the past.
This movie deals with mental health in a constructive, sensitive way, and I loved it. There’s plenty of action and humor, so don’t be worried; it’s not a depressing slog.
Dare I even say it? Don’t hate me, superhero fans. But I think this is the best Marvel movie since “End Game.” Okay, maybe that is stretching it because there have been some strong entries. Like the Spiderman movies. I love Spiderman. But I also love Thunderbolts*.
This movie deserves a second viewing, and I can’t wait to see it again.
I give it a 5/5! (The Mister gives it a 4/5)
Here is the official trailer1:
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Credits:
Movie Photos from IMDb
Citations:
1. 2025. Youtube.com <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sAOWhvheK8> [accessed 8 May 2025]
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23 comments
I’ve never heard of this one. I must check it out.
A superhero movie with emotional depth. That is interesting. Thank you for a great and honest review.
You’re welcome, Thomas. I know it sounds strange. I really appreciated the change. 🙂
I might give this a watch! I normally don’t watch superhero movies, but this sounds good!
It is definitely good, Carol anne. If you go to see it, I hope you like it. xo
It’s been quite since I’ve seen any Marvel movies..this looks ok I suppose. I’ll consider it.
I would love to know what you thought afterwards. 🙂
If i see it. I am considering seeing the Jim Crow era vampire film Sinners
Sinners is one I want to see as well.
not a fan of marvel movies
or any franchise
that is short on story
and over hyped on cgi
and ai
count me out
as i scream no way
without a doubt!
Sounds reasonable to me. 🙂 Thank you, John.
I went to see this movie on Monday and really enjoyed it. Much better from Marvel.
I thought so, too, Esther. 😀
My son used to be into these (until Marvel took a turn). I’ll have to ask him if he’s seen it. Thanks for this.
No problem, Jacqui. This struck me as a really good entry for the franchise.
Thunderbolts* is so much better than most of Marvel’s post-Endgame films. It’s not just because it’s a rough-edged, big-hearted spy thriller about lovably clueless anti-heroes. It’s because it has an actor as charismatic as Pugh at its centre. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
I agree with you 100%! I’ll watch anything Pugh is in. Happy Friday!
Happy Friday 😊 xx
🌸🌸
I’ve been on the fence in deciding to go see this movie at the theater or not. I’ve been burned by some Marvel movies, so you can understand the suspicion. However, I would like to thank you for providing more information on the movie itself. I love informed commentary.
Thank you so much, Isabella. I’m glad this helped a little. I do understand the suspicion, for real.
Happy Friday!
I’m so excited to see this! The youngest son and I have tickets for Monday, and I’ve read so many good reviews about it.
That’s wonderful, Teri! I’m sure you will like it very much! Have fun!