by ECI Released : 2025-05-02
Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts arrives like a jolt to the system, delivering a gritty, character-driven team-up film that stands out as one of the best entries in the post-Endgame Marvel Cinematic Universe. Anchored by a phenomenal cast and some genuinely refreshing tonal shifts, this unconventional ensemble adventure proves to be a great start to the summer movie season.
The cast is the film’s undeniable superpower. Florence Pugh shines yet again as Yelena Belova, balancing sardonic wit and vulnerability with ease. Her performance gives the movie an emotional core, and her chemistry with the rest of the team—particularly David Harbour’s Red Guardian—is electric. Speaking of Harbour, he is by far the film’s comedic MVP. Whether awkwardly attempting to mentor his younger teammates or stumbling his way through covert ops with the grace of a wrecking ball, Harbour brings the biggest laughs and much-needed levity to the darker moments.
Sebastian Stan returns as Bucky Barnes with a brooding gravitas that feels earned yet never overplayed. His presence anchors the film’s more serious emotional beats, and his dynamic with both Pugh and Harbour allows for some unexpectedly heartfelt moments. Lewis Pullman, as the newest addition to the MCU's rogue gallery of antiheroes, brings a low-key charisma that grows on you, and by the final act, he proves he deserves a permanent seat at the Marvel table.
However, Thunderbolts isn't without its flaws. The first half of the film suffers from uneven pacing, struggling to find its rhythm as it juggles introductions, flashbacks, and mission setup. Once the team is fully assembled and the action kicks in, the film finds its stride—but getting there feels a bit rocky. Additionally, the film’s limited use of only two or three major locations makes the world feel smaller than it should for a high-stakes MCU installment. And while the third act delivers on action and intensity, the ending feels somewhat rushed, tying up emotional and narrative threads a little too neatly.
Despite these shortcomings, Thunderbolts manages to do what so many recent Marvel films have struggled with: it makes you care about the characters. It's funny, heartfelt, and just grounded enough to feel different while still delivering the big moments fans crave.
With top-tier performances, standout humor, and a rawer tone than most MCU entries, Thunderbolts is a ride well worth taking. Go see Thunderbolts at a drive-in near you it's a great start to the summer movie season—as well as one of the best MCU films post-Endgame.
