"Thunderbolts*" is throwback style MCU fun

Thunderbolts* the final film in Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, makes its way into theaters from Walt Disney Pictures and Marvel Studios. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film features a screenplay written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo. It brings to life characters originally created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley, who first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449.

When Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) faces trouble with the government due to her past decisions, she reaches out to her former team, which includes Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), for one last mission with the promise of a clean slate.

However, the group soon discovers that their final assignment is a death trap designed to allow Valentina to escape scot-free. The anti-heroes encounter the amnesiac Bob (Lewis Pullman), which sets off a chain of events that forces them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

Meanwhile, newly elected congress member Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) has his score to settle with Valentina. At the same time, Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour) has put away his Red Guardian mask but longs for action and seeks to find his purpose. When a new threat emerges, these disillusioned outcasts must unite to save the world and achieve redemption within themselves.

It's hard to believe that the Marvel Cinematic Universe began seventeen years ago with an adaptation of Iron Man and the beloved Infinity Saga. Sadly, the current Multiverse Saga has had more misses for some fans across its various platforms. So naturally, the question on fans' minds is, does Thunderbolts* get things back on track?

I walked into "Thunderbolts" blind, unaware of the team or how they came together. Thankfully, screenwriter Eric Pearson made his mark in the industry with the Marvel One-Shot The Consultant, keeping the story grounded enough that even first-time viewers can follow the plot.

At its core, the film focuses on Yelena Belova as our lead, with Florence Pugh easily stepping into the role of the tortured soul. The film wisely avoids going into deep dives about her past but gives just enough, and those same sentiments carry over to the other team members. Hannah John-Kamen gives Ghost a whole anti-hero vibe, while Wyatt Russell chews up the scenery as John Walker gives off vibes of a toxic male who doesn't know when to shut up.

David Harbour brings papa bear vibes to his character of Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian, while Sebastian Stan continues to impress as Bucky Barnes. As for Lewis Pullman's character of Bob, the rising talent brings his usual quirks to the role. Finally, as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Julia Louis-Dreyfus makes a welcome return and delivers.

Jake Schreier, who hasn't directed a film in a decade, also surprised me. He kept the pacing engaging and avoided shaky cameras in the fight scenes. While there are effects in the film, Schrier gives Thunderbolts* an eighties spectacle vibe.

While I was engaged for most of the film's runtime, I had some issues with the pacing in the third act that an edit could have helped with. Thankfully, the film's post-credit scene makes up for that and gives us a clue where the film is headed.

It remains to be seen how the overall response to Thunderbolts* will be, but I did enjoy the film and can't wait to see them on screen again.

Final Grade: B+

 Thunderbolts* opens in theatres on Thursday, May 1st.