'Thunderbolts*' Review: Proves Doubters of this Misfit Team Wrong
- Jack Ransom
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
By Jack Ransom - April 30, 2025
The 36th entry in the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe and the final piece of the messy Phase 5 jigsaw. Thunderbolts* sees an unconventional team of antiheroes (Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Hannah John-Kamen, David Harbour & Wyatt Russell) embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.
After this year’s incredibly disappointing and clearly frankenstein-ed together Captain America: Brave New World releasing in February, it very much is on both Thunderbolts* & The Fantastic Four: First Steps to steer the ship back on course before Avengers: Doomsday next May. Whilst it may suffer from familiar MCU trappings and a ‘ragtag’ team concept that both Guardians of the Galaxy & The Suicide Squad did more effectively, there is no denying that Thunderbolts* more grounded and character focused approach makes it the most consistent MCU flick in a while.
It’s refreshing to not be barraged with multiverse stakes and shenanigans here (despite what this entire Phase has been dipping its toes in). Instead we are presented with a very self-contained story which weighs surprisingly heavy with its themes of depression, isolation, loneliness and finding your place in the world that effectively culminates with a strong message in the final third. Despite strong cast chemistry, you can swiftly tick off the ‘ragtag team’ bingo sheet as the film goes along, as well as a lingering sense that you never particularly feel the stakes as much due to the Avengers: Doomsday casting announcement earlier this year.
The action is very solid here. From Yelena’s brilliant opening Malaysia contract execution, to the chaotic first meeting brawl, Bucky’s highway pursuit and Sentry’s first power showcase. I will say (and this could be the screen I saw the film on), the lighting in some scenes will have you squinting. Whilst, the somewhat meme-worthy ‘Absolute Cinema’ trailer which was released (showcasing the wealth of behind the scenes talent that also worked on plenty of A24 flicks) isn’t quite honest in terms of the idea of a complete stylistic switch up, however there is no denying that the gritty, chromatic tint to the film and the eerily effective presentation of The Void does standout.
Performance-wise the cast have great chemistry. Pugh takes centre stage as a world-weary, numb and bleak Yelena, desperate to find her place. David Harbour is a whirlwind ball of manic energy, Hannah John-Kamen and Wyatt Russell up the snark and whilst he can feel like he’s a bit on autopilot here at times, Sebastian Stan’s switch from Senator to Mercenary mode for Bucky is a fun switch. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is relishing upping the charismatic, cold blooded glee of Valentina and newcomer Lewis Pullman is a welcome bumbling, off-kilter presence as Bob to all-powerful Sentry.
Thunderbolts* is a very solid MCU flick and proves doubters of this misfit team wrong. Its tighter plot, and character heavy focus, coupled with strong action and some distinct stylistic choices deserve praise. However, some of the humour, lack of genuine feeling stakes and dare I say it an aura of a Disney Plus feel do hold it back from being genuinely great overall.
Thunderbolts* releases in cinemas May 2
Want more film reviews? Check out more content on our website Film Focus Online!
