Thunderbolts*

The final entry of Phase Five set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU for short sets course correction for “The Multiverse Saga” after “Captain America: Brave New World” was an underwhelming flop. Luckily, “Thunderbolts*” managed to win back fans and movie goers like me. I didn’t expect it to be very good. As you may know, the cast of Thunderbolts* will reprise their roles in “Avengers: Doomsday.” They’ll also team-up with original cast members from the X-Men movies. Plus, Channing Tatum’s confirmed to reprise his role as Gambit.

Today’s review doesn’t contain any crucial SPOILERS.

Strong & Weak Qualities

Strong: Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen & Olga Kurylenko, all did an excellent job for their respective performances.

Other Cast Members such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Geraldine Viswanathan & Wendell Pierce (Bunk Moreland from The Wire) both did a decent job for their respective performances.

Jake Schreier (Robot and Frank, Paper Planes) did a splendid job directing his second non-independent film.

Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok, Godzilla vs. Kong, Transformers One) & Joanna Calo (The Bear) co-wrote the script.

Action Sequences are pretty good.

• Fun Fact 1: Florence insisted several times to jump off Merdeka 118 without a stunt double. Merdeka 118 is known as the second tallest building in the world located in Malaysia. Ms. Pugh had the guts to channel Jackie Chan & Tom Cruise. Both known for doing dangerous stunts themselves.
• Most of the crew worked on A24 films. Heck, Florence described Thunderbolts* as “A badass indie A24 feeling assassin movie with Marvel superheroes.”

Electronic band, Son Lox (Everything Everywhere All at Once) orchestrated the soundtrack.

Practical Effects were involved while C.G.I. was used sparingly. Looks like Mr. Schreier and the crew took cues from Christopher Nolan.

Cinematography didn’t succumb to any technical problems throughout.

Pacing didn’t take forever. My eyes were glued to the screen.

Despite Yelena Belova feeling moody, there’s some Funny Moments that made me laugh.

Chemistry between members of the titular team serves as the main highlight. Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian stole the movie. He’s my favorite. Mr. Harbour earns Bonus Points for as the Comic Relief and a protective father to Yelena. It’s not David’s first rodeo playing the role of a father who cares for his daughter. Jim Hopper from “Stranger Things” ring any bells?

Unlike James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad,” this one has serious moments regarding Yelena’s past. We also learn about Bob’s background. In the comics, He’s known as Sentry. He’s similar to Superman, but has additional powers the Man of Steel lacks including telekinesis.

If you’re knowledgeable on the OG Thunderbolts from the comics, it’s drastically different due to previous MCU films affecting the status quo. Unlike the movie, Helmut Zemo founded the Thunderbolts*. Roster consists of these characters listed below. Although I never read a single issue of Thunderbolts*, I didn’t mind the movie’s roster.

• Helmut Zemo (duh)
• Erik Josten
• Fixer
• Moonstone
• Songbird
• Beetle (no relation to Blue Beetle)
• Jolt
• Charcoal
• Cyclone

You might be wondering why is there an asterisk on the title? Once you see the movie, you’ll understand.

Without giving too much away, I didn’t expect Thunderbolts* referencing one of my favorite animated Disney movies growing up, “The Emperor’s New Groove.” I’m surprised they had the guts to pay homage to a memorable joke from “Family Guy.” If you know, you know.

Stay tuned for a Mid-Credits and Post-Credits Scene. They might set up the next installment.

Weak: A “temporary break-up” happened. I hate this trope. Why? Because you know a pair or more will forgive each other, put aside their differences and finish what they started. I find it predicable. Temporary break-up has been done in most rom-coms and buddy cop films.

The Final Verdict: A-

Thunderbolts* ends Phase Five on a solid note. If it weren’t for one flaw, I could’ve given it my highest grade an A, FOR APEX. An A- will do. I’m stoked for the next entry, “The Fantastic Four: The First Steps” & “Avengers: Doomsday.” If you have nothing on your plate, Thunderbolts* is definitely worth your spare time. What’s your favorite MCU film set within Phase Five? Please leave a comment. My favorite is “Deadpool and Wolverine.”