#REVIEW: MARVEL’S “THUNDERBOLTS*”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

* This is an attempt at a spoiler-free review. But we can’t promise complete safety. Read at your own risk. *

Marvel’s Thunderbolts* is an entertaining, fun thrill ride with a new group of Marvel — anti? — Heroes that delivers darker themes and excellent character development.

Ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), an unconventional team of antiheroes — Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), John Walker (Wyatt Russell) and… possible regular joe Bob (Lewis Pullman) — embark on a dangerous mission that forces them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

It’s been a while since we’ve had Marvel deliver a Film like Thunderbolts*. It brings us back to the beginning of this whole enterprise. Its political commentary involving government corruption and weaponry feels reminiscent of Iron Man (2008). While the band of misfits getting together gave all the banter and laughs of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1, and dare we say it…The Avengers (2012). Much like those standout Marvel hits, Thunderbolts* delivers on the action, humour, story, and most importantly, character.

In recent Marvel releases, there’s been a lot to love, but arguably, there’s been a lack of in-depth character development. This may be because a lot of the recent MCU entries feel as though their sole purpose is to introduce and/or continue a storyline for the next installment in this machine. However, this isn’t the case for Thunderbolts*. Screenwriting team Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo, and Kurt Busiek have written a film that cares deeply for its narrative and each characters’ backstory.

The heart of Thunderbolts* lies in each member of the unconventional ensemble and their development. These characters entwine perfectly with the dark themes within the narrative. It explores regret, loss, trauma, and most importantly, mental health. After all, these are antiheroes. They’ve done things they aren’t proud of, and many have complicated childhood traumas.

We’ve already been introduced to some of the characters here. We know the trauma Yelena has lived through. Here, she’s attempting to do something good. Follow more in her sister’s footsteps. Pugh is a force of nature in the role and brings a depth unparalleled. It’s great to see Stan bring Bucky back. He looks like he’s having the time of his life while bringing the brooding Bucky we know and love. There is a new addition…Bob. We can’t expose too much about Bob, but let’s just say he’s got some trauma and he’s also the sweetest guy! Pullman gives a performance that should make him a household name.

Although Thunderbolts* does explore darker themes, it’s just as entertaining and fun as we’ve come to expect from a Marvel film, especially an ensemble one. The comedic timing of the entire cast is spot-on, and their effortless banter is exquisitely written and delivered. There isn’t a funnier Dad in Film than Harbour’s Red Guardian. Our only critique is that the Film may’ve been even more fun if Louis-Dreyfus got more screentime.

If you want a good time at the cinema that also delivers great character development, look no further than Thunderbolts*.

Marvel Studios Canada releases THUNDERBOLTS* on Friday, May 2, 2025.