Thunderbolts*: A Team of Misfits Grapples with Darkness and Light
Can a team of anti-heroes truly find redemption, or are thay destined to repeat their past mistakes? Thunderbolts* dives headfirst into this question, offering a compelling, albeit uneven, addition to teh Marvel cinematic Universe.
A Rocky start: Political Intrigue and Slow Burn
The initial pacing of Thunderbolts* might leave some viewers scratching their heads. A important portion of the early runtime is dedicated to Valentina allegra de Fontaine’s machinations, with Bucky Barnes seemingly relegated to a supporting role as her political pawn. It begs the question: was Bucky’s transition to a political figure a late-stage decision, simply to ensure a familiar face was present for the initial setup?
Unexpected Alliances: The Heart of Thunderbolts*
Once the narrative finds its footing, Thunderbolts* shines brightest when exploring the dynamics between characters who’ve never crossed paths before. This is where the film echoes the success of Infinity War and Endgame, creating memorable moments through unexpected pairings.
Charming Interactions and endearing Moments
Imagine War Machine and Nebula bonding over their shared experiences with cybernetic enhancements. Or Red Guardian and Bucky casually discussing the nuances of super-soldier serum. These are the moments that elevate Thunderbolts* beyond a standard superhero flick.
Yelena and Ghost’s playful teasing of Agent Walker, particularly his “valor-stealing” Captain America helmet, is not only genuinely funny but also strategically placed to lighten the mood at just the right moment. These endearing interactions are the film’s secret weapon, bolstering its more conventional elements.
The Belova-Harbour Dynamic: A Father-Daughter Duo Steals the show
Florence Pugh and David Harbour reprise their roles as Yelena Belova and Red Guardian, and their on-screen chemistry remains electric.Their father-daughter dynamic oscillates between genuine emotional connection and comedic embarrassment, creating a relationship that is both heartwarming and hilarious. Harbour, in particular, embraces the role with gusto, chewing scenery with unrestrained enthusiasm.
Team Dynamics: A Work in Progress
Despite the individual sparks between characters, the thunderbolts team as a whole struggles to fully gel. The film aims for a Guardians of the Galaxy-esque,rapid-fire banter,but the characters don’t consistently inhabit that energy for long enough. While Yelena and her cohorts deliver witty remarks,the film’s darker undercurrents constantly threaten to pull the rug out from under the levity.
The Dark Side: Mental Health and Existential Dread
Thunderbolts* truly excels when it delves into its darker,more unsettling themes. The character of Bob, and his conversion into The Sentry, is a poignant exploration of mental health and profound loneliness. Bob’s struggle to control The Void, his destructive alter ego, serves as a powerful metaphor for the internal battles we all face.
The Sentry: A Mirror to Yelena’s inner Turmoil
Bob’s internal conflict makes him the perfect foil for Yelena, who grapples with her own past actions and moral ambiguities. As Bob forces the Thunderbolts to confront their darkest moments,the film delivers its moast impactful statements about the brokenness that lies beneath their tough exteriors.
Visual Storytelling: A Masterclass in Atmosphere
The film’s visual style, spearheaded by cinematographer Andrew Droz palermo, elevates the darker themes to new heights. Palermo, known for his work on The Green Knight and A Ghost Story, imbues Thunderbolts* with a distinct visual language that speaks to the characters’ vulnerabilities and fears.
The Hallway Fight: A Study in Isolation
Even a seemingly standard superhero trope, like a one-against-many hallway fight, is transformed through palermo’s lens. Shot from an overhead viewpoint with stark black and white shadows, the scene emphasizes Yelena’s isolation and the internal struggles she faces throughout the film. This is a prime example of how Marvel films can subtly modulate their action sequences to enhance the narrative.
A Compelling Bummer? The Film’s Uneven Tone
While Thunderbolts* excels in its exploration of darker themes, the tonal imbalance ultimately leaves the film feeling like a “compelling bummer.” The highs,while present,don’t quite reach the intended heights,making the overall experiance somewhat melancholic. By the time the climax arrives, the audience may not be in the mood for lighthearted banter.
“What’s the Point?”: A meta-Commentary on the MCU
Yelena’s question,”What’s the point?” serves as a meta-commentary on the film’s place within the larger MCU. Thunderbolts* subtly questions whether the MCU is too vast to dedicate two hours to a group of side characters. The answer, perhaps, is a resounding “yes.”
Not The Avengers: Embracing Their Outsider Status
The Thunderbolts are not The Avengers. They are the underdogs, the misfits who must rely on each other. Even though the climax unfolds near Avengers Tower and evokes the Battle of New York, the film emphasizes that this team is diffrent. They are not yet ready to fill the Avengers’ shoes, and that’s okay.
the Future of the Thunderbolts: A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the challenges they face, the Thunderbolts offer a unique perspective within the MCU. Their flaws, their vulnerabilities, and their struggles make them relatable and compelling. As the MCU continues to expand, hopefully, the Thunderbolts will be given the prospect to shine, embracing their outsider status and forging their own path.
FAQ: Thunderbolts* and the Future of the MCU
What is Thunderbolts* about?
Thunderbolts* follows a team of anti-heroes and reformed villains assembled by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine for covert missions. The film explores their individual struggles, team dynamics, and the challenges of redemption.
Who are the main characters in Thunderbolts*?
The main characters include Yelena Belova (Black Widow), Red Guardian, Winter Soldier, Ghost, US Agent, and the newly introduced Sentry.
How does Thunderbolts* fit into the MCU timeline?
Thunderbolts* takes place within Phase Five of the MCU, following the events of films like Black Widow and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
What are the main themes explored in Thunderbolts*?
The film explores themes of redemption, mental health, the burden of power, and the challenges of working as a team.
Is Thunderbolts* connected to other MCU projects?
Yes, Thunderbolts* features characters and storylines that have been established in previous MCU films and TV shows, and it likely sets up future events within the universe.
Pros and Cons of Thunderbolts*
Pros:
- Compelling character dynamics and unexpected alliances.
- Exploration of darker themes like mental health and redemption.
- Strong performances from the cast, particularly Florence pugh and David Harbour.
- Unique visual style that enhances the film’s atmosphere.
Cons:
- Uneven pacing and a slow start.
- Tonal imbalance between humor and darkness.
- The team dynamic doesn’t fully gel.
- May leave some viewers feeling melancholic.
