Thunderbolts Movie Review - Wox Review

📺 Thunderbolts Review

Movie Details

Name: Thunderbolts

Year: 2025

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Director: Jake Schreier

Writers: Eric Pearson , Joanna Calo , Lee Sung Jin

Cast: Florence Pugh , Sebastian Stan , Wyatt Russell , David Harbour , Ogla kurylenko , Hannah John , Lewis Pullman , Julia Louis Dreyfus , Geraldine Vishwanathan

Genres: SuperHero Action Thriller

Running Time: 2 hours and 6 minutes

Original Language: English

Exclusively available On: Theaters

Review by Wox Review

If you’re a fan of James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad or Birds of Prey, then Thunderbolts might just be the Marvel movie you've been waiting for. Often dubbed “The New Avengers,” this film brings together a group of morally grey characters with complex pasts, and turns what could’ve been just another team-up flick into something genuinely engaging and emotionally resonant. After the wild success of Deadpool & Wolverine, expectations were high—and Thunderbolts doesn’t disappoint. While it’s not perfect, it’s easily one of the more entertaining and emotionally grounded entries in Marvel’s recent lineup. One of the standout improvements is the humor. Many recent Marvel films have been criticized for their forced, awkward comedy, but here the jokes actually land. The humor feels character-driven and organic, enhancing the storytelling rather than distracting from it. Despite juggling several familiar characters—U.S. Agent, Winter Soldier , Taskmaster, Ghost, Red Guardian, and Yelena Belova—the film manages to give each one a moment to shine. Their backstories are addressed efficiently without overwhelming the viewer, and even a brand new character is introduced in a way that feels fresh and exciting rather than rushed or unnecessary. The film also does a commendable job introducing one of the most powerful characters in the MCU—Sentry. Without stealing the spotlight, the movie gives him a strong comic-accurate debut, complete with his iconic suit and a subtle glimpse of the immense power he holds. While some fans might wish he had more screen time, the restraint actually works in the film’s favor. It allows Thunderbolts to establish both Sentry and the rest of the team without overwhelming the story. His presence alone hints at the massive role he could play in future MCU projects, and that quiet buildup only adds to the excitement. What sets Thunderbolts apart is how it redefines the concept of a superhero team. While the Avengers often felt like a collection of friends who assembled when needed, the Thunderbolts feel more like a dysfunctional family. They argue, they clash, but there’s real emotional depth in their relationships. These are people trying to overcome past trauma, and the movie explores that with surprising maturity. In fact, one of the film’s most impressive achievements is its honest take on depression and emotional isolation. It doesn't shy away from showing how pain can reshape a person—and how connection, even with broken people, can lead to healing. It's a message that hits home and adds emotional weight to the action-packed storyline. The beginning of the movie may feel a bit slow, but stick with it. As the story unfolds, the pace picks up, and the character dynamics become increasingly compelling. Watching this group of misfits learn to trust one another is both satisfying and fun. There’s been a lot of online noise lately around Marvel’s inclusion of female leads, often dismissively labeled as "M-She-U." Thunderbolts shuts that criticism down with strong female characters who are anything but one-dimensional. They are essential to the plot, fully realized, and incredibly well-acted—no forced messaging, just great storytelling. Most importantly, Thunderbolts brings back something many fans have missed since Endgame: meaningful connectivity. This movie ties into past events, lays foundations for future storylines, and gives us post-credit scenes that actually matter. It finally feels like Marvel is building toward something again. In conclusion, Thunderbolts is a gritty, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining ride. It balances emotional themes with slick action and introduces a team you’ll want to root for—even if they’re not quite heroes. Whether you're a die-hard Marvel fan or just looking for a fun night at the movies, Thunderbolts is worth checking out. .

Story and Narrative Style:

The story of Thunderbolts is refreshingly grounded for a Marvel film, leaning into themes of redemption, identity, and emotional healing. Rather than relying heavily on multiversal chaos or cosmic threats, the narrative focuses on the personal struggles of each character, giving the film a more intimate and character-driven feel. The pacing takes its time early on to establish the emotional baggage each team member carries, which pays off later when their arcs begin to intertwine. The storytelling blends gritty realism with dark humor, making it feel more mature and tonally distinct compared to other recent MCU entries. It’s not just about saving the world—it’s about saving themselves. The narrative also cleverly balances the ensemble nature of the cast without making it feel bloated, and it keeps viewers engaged through strong character dynamics and emotionally charged moments rather than over-the-top spectacle.

Acting:

The performances in Thunderbolts are one of its strongest assets. Florence Pugh absolutely shines as Yelena Belova, stepping confidently into the role of team leader and carrying the emotional weight of the film with ease. Her portrayal of the new Black Widow is layered, vulnerable, and fiercely commanding—a performance that anchors the entire team dynamic. Sebastian Stan returns as Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, and while his presence is powerful and emotionally grounded, his role feels slightly underutilized. Given that Bucky is the one who brings the team together, many viewers might have expected more screen time and character development for him. Still, Stan delivers a solid performance that adds quiet strength and a sense of leadership to the group, even when he’s not always at the center of the action. Julia Louis-Dreyfus brings sharp edge and subtle menace as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, playing the manipulative handler with cold precision. Her hypocrisy is palpable, and you can’t help but feel both intrigued and frustrated by her character—which is exactly what makes her performance so effective. Wyatt Russell brings a gritty edge to U.S. Agent, showing the inner conflict of a man trying to do right in a system that keeps twisting his values. David Harbour delivers a more mature yet still lovable version of Red Guardian, giving us humor without turning into comic relief. Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster has fewer lines but brings a stoic intensity that works well with the team’s tone, while Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost adds depth to her character’s inner turmoil with a restrained but effective performance. Newcomer Geraldine Viswanathan makes a brief but promising appearance, and while her role is limited, she leaves an impression strong enough to make you wish she had more screen time. If her character returns in future projects, there's certainly more to explore. Overall, the cast delivers strong performances across the board, each actor contributing to the team’s emotional complexity. Whether it’s through subtle expressions or explosive confrontations, Thunderbolts succeeds in making you care about this unlikely group of anti-heroes. .

Cinematography and Production:

Visually, Thunderbolts impresses with a gritty, grounded aesthetic that perfectly complements the darker tone of the story. The cinematography leans into shadows, muted color palettes, and raw close-ups that bring emotional depth to the characters’ internal struggles. The camera work is dynamic during action sequences but never chaotic, allowing you to follow the tension and choreography clearly. Set designs are practical and immersive, moving away from overly glossy CGI environments in favor of more realistic, lived-in locations that suit the team’s rough-and-tumble vibe. The production quality overall feels tight and well-balanced—nothing feels overdone, yet everything looks sharp, polished, and purposeful. It’s clear that Thunderbolts was crafted with care, not just to entertain, but to reflect the emotional complexity of its characters through its visual storytelling. .

Music and Sound:

Marvel has always had a great ear for music, and Thunderbolts continues that tradition with a soundtrack and score that truly elevate the storytelling. The background music plays a vital role in drawing us into the world of these broken, morally complex characters. Whether it's an emotional moment or a pulse-pounding action sequence, the score never feels out of place. It complements the tone of each scene beautifully, helping us connect more deeply with the characters and their inner struggles. In the film’s more intense moments, the background score builds just the right amount of tension, enhancing the drama without ever overpowering it. It’s another example of how Thunderbolts succeeds in the details, creating an immersive and emotionally charged experience. .

Final Thoughts:

Thunderbolts may not be a flawless masterpiece, but it delivers exactly what fans have been craving from Marvel in recent years—character-driven storytelling, grounded emotional stakes, and a strong sense of team identity. It strikes a solid balance between action, humor, and psychological depth, reviving the MCU’s interconnected narrative without overwhelming the audience. With a diverse cast of complex characters and impressive performances, especially from Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, the film offers both fresh energy and familiar charm. Whether you're drawn in by the intense fight sequences, the emotional backstories, or the dynamic group chemistry, Thunderbolts proves to be more than just a filler project. It successfully repositions some of Marvel's underutilized characters while introducing powerful new ones like Sentry, teasing an exciting future for the franchise. Despite a slow start and a few missed opportunities, it ends up being an engaging and entertaining ride that MCU fans shouldn't miss. If you're a fan of morally grey anti-heroes, gripping ensemble dynamics, and a more mature flavor of superhero storytelling, Thunderbolts is definitely worth watching on the big screen.

User Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐