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Thunderbots* Review

 Overview

Thunderbolts* was not exactly the "Edgy Avengers" I wanted. It was even better. Thunderbolts* follows a team of secondary MCU characters on an excellent adventure full of emotion and great acting in the best MCU film since Captain America: The Winter Solider.




Plot

Thunderbolts* is different. Very different. Thunderbolts* boasts one of the best MCU storylines ever made. The story also has absolutely incredible character development. One of the reasons the plot is so good is because it is so incredibly different from other plots in the MCU like the Avengers movies. The film follows Yelana Belova, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, U.S. Agent and Bob on an emotional story where the Thunderbolts battle a very real villain: Depression. 
The Thunderbolts when The Void attacks.
The film has 2 halves. A dark half and a light half. The dark half is actually amazing. Lewis Pullman as Bob / Sentry is absolutely amazing as he carries the film alongside Florence Pugh as Yelana / The Black Widow. The story kicks off with one of Yelana's "Cleanup missions." for Valentina Fontane. Who is in risk of being impeached as director of the CIA. At this she sends all of her operatives on a mission to stop a thief from stealing assets from her. This is revealed to be a trap. This is when the Thunderbolts meet for the first time and when the mysterious "Bob" is introduced. Bob is revealed to be the Sentry. Over time each character has serious development, and everyone clearly has done things they regret. The Winter Solider is (Unfortunately) reduced to a sub main character in the film, but this makes sense as the movie goes on and introduces more aspects of the other Thunderbolts.
The Thunderbolts after being captured by Bucky
The films storytelling really picks up from there as the Sentry project is fully revealed and Valentina begins turning Bob into the Sentry. Sentry swiftly defeats the Thunderbolts and attempts to strike back at Valentina who uses the Sentry kill switch. It is at this point that the Sentry is transformed into the Void. One of the most powerful and real villains in the MCU. The next few scenes are downright amazing. The Thunderbolts save citizens and brave their own worst memories to save Bob in an amazing finale. And afterwards the final twist and PCS are amazing.



Execution

The Thunderbolts inside The Void
Thunderbolts* is so well executed. It's so different from a typical MCU film and it's much better for it. The opening scene showcases the unique visuals with a great hallway fight and the movie just looks and feels different from other films such as Endgame. It follows a team of mercenaries instead of a group of superheroes and has an emotional and compelling plot instead of just blowing stuff up. The Visuals are really good. Thunderbolt's soundtrack and visuals fit the theme perfectly. The dystopian soundtrack combined with the moody blue tinted visuals make this movie really standout among the MCU films.
You can really see the visual style here.
The action sequences are really well done too. The gunfights and brawls look great and are really entertaining. Thunderbolts* is an incredibly executed film.


Characters

Bob's introduction

One of the areas where the film really shines is the characters. The performances by Lewis Pullman and Florence Pugh are absolutely stellar. John Walker, Ghost, Bucky and Red Guardian are also great while Taskmaster leaves something to be desired. Every character is really well done, and everyone has phenomenal development arcs. Thunderbolts* has one of my favorite casts in an MCU film in general. Yelana is a Mercenary who spends every hour regretting what she has done, And Bob is just a regular guy who applied for a medical test. Bob's depression is enhanced by the Sentry Project, and he ends up becoming The Void. There isn't a single bad actor in this movie and all the main characters are amazing. Thunderbolts* focuses on a smaller group of characters and it really pays off.
The Thunderbolts before fighting The Sentry.






Verdict

Thunderbolts is the best MCU film in a long time. It's a standout film among the MCU and a great movie in general. Here are the scores.


Soundtrack: 90
A well-done soundtrack that fits the darker theme of the movie perfectly.


Plot: 96
Thunderbolts* boasts one of the best plots I've ever seen in a superhero movie. It's unique and well done.


Acting: 99
Every member of the Thunderbolts is well acted, but it's the stellar performances of Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman that elevate the film to another level.


Looks: 97
Thunderbolts has a unique visual style that is showcased right from the start. The special effects are really creative, and the film looks and feels amazing.


Execution: 93
Aside from the semi-strange use of Taskmaster the movie is incredibly executed, and it shows.


Overall: 99 🌟

Thunderbolts* is the best the MCU has been in YEARS. It holds up great against other MCU greats like Spider Man: No Way Home and Iron Man. Thunderbolts* is one of the best MCU and Comic book movies I've ever seen and is well worth the watch.









 

  



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