Spoiler Alert: Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ Is a Better Version of ‘Suicide Squad’

The newest Marvel Cinematic Universe spectacle, “Thunderbolts,” mirrors the strategy of “Suicide Squad” by uniting a team of flawed anti-heroes for an ostensibly noble cause. Unexpectedly, this Marvel Studios offering outshines its DC counterpart in entertainment value.

The Powerhouse Cast

Lead Characters

At the helm is Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, the successor to the Black Widow mantle. Sebastian Stan reprises his role as Bucky Barnes; David Harbour returns as Yelena’s maternal figure, Alexei Shostakov, also known as The Red Guardian. Wyatt Russell portrays John Walker, whose brooding Captain America iteration was introduced in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and later in “Captain America: Brave New World.” Additionally, Olga Kurylenko reprises her role as Taskmaster, and Hannah John-Kamen stars as the formidable Ghost.

Supporting Roles

Julia Louis-Dreyfus delivers a compelling performance. Her character serves as the impetus behind assembling this ragtag group of superheroes. There’s also Lewis Pullman, playing Bob, a mysterious individual whose newly discovered powers metamorphose him into the Sentry, akin to a less-charming Homelander.

A Fresh Take on the Marvel Formula

This reviewer must confess a growing disillusionment with recent Marvel releases. There are various contributing factors—genre oversaturation, predictable narratives, and exhausted visual effects to name a few. Nevertheless, “Thunderbolts” surmounted these expectations.

Spoiler Alert: Keep in mind any substantial plot details may be revealed below. Effort has been made to maintain a spoiler-free review, yet some information may be unavoidable. Approach with caution.

Engrossing Performances and Emotional Depth

Without the captivating performances of Pugh and Harbour, “Thunderbolts” might have struggled. This film is fundamentally Yelena’s journey, with all other elements serving as supporting characters. The paternal-daughter dynamic between Yelena and Alexei serves as the movie’s emotional core. The actors’ shared history from “Black Widow” fortifies the authenticity of their on-screen bond.

Ensemble Chemistry and Story Continuity

The rest of the cast adeptly fulfills their roles, ensuring plot coherence and setting the stage for Phase Six. By the time the group unites for their first major skirmish, there’s a palpable sense of camaraderie among them. The MCU is evidently preparing for significant developments in its upcoming phase, and this unconventional team of heroes is undoubtedly worth rallying behind.

The Highs and Lows

Compelling Action Sequences

Unlike “Captain America: Brave New World”, the fight scenes in “Thunderbolts” are genuinely thrilling. The team’s dedication to these set pieces imparts a gritty, street-level authenticity to the action. Eschewing excessive CGI, the climax leverages distinct camera techniques and practical set designs, evoking the dream-hopping finesse seen in “Inception.” Additionally, Pugh’s combat prowess appears more convincing and tangible than Scarlett Johansson’s previous portrayals.

Weaknesses in the Narrative

However, “Thunderbolts” does have its faults. The revelations about Bob’s background feel unearned, and the time dedicated to developing the team’s chemistry leads to a climax where the stakes seem insufficiently high. The movie’s exploration of mental health connects Bob to Yelena, influencing the climactic battle. While poignant, the antagonist’s power feels formidable but not fatal.

The “Avengers: Doomsday” casting reveal, featuring all “Thunderbolts” actors, implies their continued presence in the MCU, serving as a narrative crutch during the movie’s middle and final acts.

The Humor and Entertainment Value

The film’s abundance of humor is a welcome surprise. Although comedy has long been a staple of Marvel’s cinematic universe, recent installments have lacked laughs. “Thunderbolts” pays homage to this tradition without groundbreaking innovation, offering a refreshing interlude within the expansive MCU. This movie isn’t intended to revolutionize the narrative landscape. Instead, it serves as a palate cleanser, reminding audiences why Marvel films can be both enjoyable and humorous.

“Thunderbolts” effectively pivots the focus toward “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” scheduled to premiere this summer. For those seeking a diversion from the MCU’s typical offerings, this film delivers a much-needed reprieve filled with entertainment and mirth.