Jordan Park

Sports Editor

The latest movie from Marvel Studios, Thunderbolts*, hit theaters May 2 and has exceeded the expectations of fans and critics alike. Packed with action, thrilling plot twists, and a compelling cast of characters, the movie will surely keep you on the edge of your seat. 

The story follows Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), a former Black Widow and sister of Natasha Romanoff. Belova is eager for a more public-facing role after feeling burnt out working for the corrupt director of the CIA, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Motivated by her father’s aspirations, Yelena proposes a change to de Fontaine, who agrees on the condition that she completes one final mission as an agent. However, de Fontaine has her own agenda and is intent on eliminating evidence of her misdeeds amid a congressional investigation, setting her operatives against each other in a secret lab. Unexpectedly, the group escapes with a mysterious man named Bob (Lewis Pullman), who has unique and mighty powers. This reluctant alliance of anti-heroes, now known as the Thunderbolts, includes John Walker (Wyatt Russell), the troubled ex-Captain America, Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and the Winter Soldier also known as Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). Together, they band together to confront de Fontaine. 

First and foremost, the film offers plenty of laughs, largely thanks to Harbour’s over-the-top portrayal of Red Guardian and Yelena’s sharp humor. Harbour’s loud, boisterous energy and depiction of the character provide a refreshing comedic layer that resonates throughout the film. Whether he’s boasting about his past glories as the Soviet superhero or attempting to connect with his on-screen family, his antics are hilarious, as evidenced by the genuine laughter coming from my mom in the seat next to me. 

The chemistry among Pugh, Harbour, Russell, Stan, John-Kamen, and Pullman is authentic and truly enjoyable. It’s a fun and fresh dynamic that plays out nicely on screen, capturing both the dysfunction and camaraderie of a team that’s still learning to trust each other. Their banter, tension, and evolving relationships make for an ensemble that’s entertaining to watch as the team takes on high stakes. The action is also consistently impressive throughout the film. From explosive hand-to-hand combat, each scene makes full use of the characters’ unique fighting styles and abilities. The film does a great job of blending more intimate fights with larger, cinematic moments. There are a few well-placed jump scares and bursts of suspense that add an unexpected edge, keeping the audience on their toes. The pacing in this film is also spot-on, with the runtime coming in at around two hours. The film moves quickly and smoothly, giving just enough time for character development while keeping the story moving. It’s well-edited and keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end. Overall, it’s what you would expect from a Marvel movie: fast-paced and comedic.

While all of the actors deliver solid performances and bring their unique energy and personality to their roles, the main actor, in particular, Florence Pugh, truly shines. Her ability to seamlessly shift between humor and heartfelt sincerity gives the character added complexity and reinforces why Yelena has quickly become a standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). 

Although it’s certainly not the best movie in the MCU, it’s definitely worth a watch! 

(Sources: Forbes, NY Times)