Marvel is officially back in action with their newest movie, Thunderbolts*. The film began production in March of 2024 and was released on May 2. The Howl had high expectations for Thunderbolts* considering many of the past entertaining movies within the Marvel Universe. Rotten Tomatoes raised our high expectations with the Tomatometer at 88% and the Popcornmeter at 94%.
The “Thunderbolts” are a new team of misfits within the MCU including Ava Starr, Bucky Barnes, Alexei Shostakov, Yelena Belova, John Walker, and Robert Reynolds. This new Marvel collection of heroes earns their name from Yelena’s childhood soccer team.
Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) is the main character, and has been an assassin since she was six. Unlike the others, she has no real power, but she is a well-trained murderer who has a harsh yet caring personality.
Like Yelena, Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) is a cold-stone killer with invisibility, allowing her to move through physical property, yet it only lasts for one minute. As a child, Ava Starr was exposed to the Quantum Realm, giving her her powers while leaving her in constant pain. While she may be a killer, she demonstrates loyalty as she refuses to abandon her crew at the onset of the film.
John Walker/U.S Agent (Wyatt Russell) is a washed out, arrogant and entitled Captain America who has a powerful shield. Despite his flaws, he gives the film humor with his dull wit.
Although Alexi Shostakov/Red Guardian’s (David Harbour) power is not directly stated, he is powerful and also happens to be Yelena’s father. Red Guardian is by far the funniest character in the film. He has been longing to be a hero, and is ecstatic when the opportunity arrives.
Robert “Bob” Reynolds is the subject of Valentina’s attempt to create a superhero called “Sentry” who gained powers as a result. He initially appears to be a troubled kid, but his bad days reveal the dark side to his magic.
After escaping from being ensnared in a death trap, the Thunderbolts embark on a dangerous mission that forces them to overcome the darkest corners of their pasts in an attempt to defeat Void, Bob/Sentry’s alter ego.
Clearly Jake Schrier knew what he was doing because his film was thrilling to watch. For those who enjoy the story line and characterization, the end of the film revealed that the Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four return for a sequel later in 2026. Packed with action and the typical Marvel sense of humor, Thunderbolts* is worth a trip to the theater.
Rating: 9/10
