Reviewing Marvel Studios: Thunderbolts
Introducing The Avengers... I Meant THUNDERBOLTS!
What's so great about Thunderbolts?
Oh, how I've missed the Avengers. To the audience that loved the Avengers movies like me, this is not a movie to miss. I was skeptical at first because it seems like Thunderbolts will be just another version of what appears to be 50 different Marvel Studios TV shows released since Avengers: Endgame. I'm going to admit right here, I was completely wrong. If you want to watch a movie with an Avengers feel to it, then this is the one, and that's why it has stood out more than any Marvel movie or TV show I have seen in the last 6 years.
Describe
Analyze
Similarities: Jake Schreier's Thunderbolts continues his hallmark focus on character-driven storytelling, much like his earlier film Robot & Frank, which explored aging and companionship through a sci-fi lens. In Thunderbolts, this approach is reflected in the nuanced portrayal of characters like Bob, whose mental health struggles and dual identity as the Void add emotional depth and complexity, showing Schreier's ongoing interest in exploring the human psyche within genre narratives.
Difference: Thunderbolts is a big change for Jake Schreier, since it's a large superhero movie with lots of action. His earlier films were smaller and more personal. This movie mixes big fight scenes with quieter, emotional moments—like a scene where Bob wrestles with his inner demons alone, right after a massive battle—showing a new side of Schreier’s directing.
Thunderbolts is like other superhero movies because it has a team of antiheroes and lots of big fight scenes, like in The Suicide Squad. But it's also different because it focuses more on the characters' feelings and problems. For example, Bucky isn’t just fighting; he’s shown dealing with guilt in therapy. The movie also looks more real, using actual places and stunts instead of lots of computer effects, which makes it feel more serious and down-to-earth than most Marvel movies.
Interpretation
Why does the movie matter?
Thunderbolts is important because it shows a new kind of superhero story. Instead of just focusing on cool powers and big fights, it looks at the personal problems and feelings of characters who usually get ignored or called villains. This helps superhero movies feel more real and grown-up, and it makes the stories about more than just good guys versus bad guys.
Does it reflect a Trend in our culture?
Yes, Thunderbolts follows a trend in movies and shows that talk more about mental health and personal struggles. Other examples are WandaVision, which shows grief, and Moon Knight, which shows a hero with a mental health disorder. In Thunderbolts, characters like Bucky and Bob aren’t just fighting enemies; they’re also dealing with things like guilt, trauma, and tough emotions.
Who is the target audience?
The target audience for Thunderbolts is mostly older teens and adults, especially Marvel fans who like stories with more emotion and deeper characters. It’s great for people who enjoy action but also want to understand what the characters are feeling. For example, if you liked The Falcon and the Winter Soldier or darker movies like Logan and The Batman, you’d probably enjoy Thunderbolts too.
How do they avoid offensive messages and stereotypes?
Thunderbolts avoids typical stereotypes often found in superhero films. For example:
Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh, is shown as a strong, complex female lead, not just a sidekick or love interest.
Bucky Barnes is portrayed as a man dealing with trauma and trying to change, breaking the stereotype of the emotionless male hero.
Bob Reynolds is shown struggling with mental illness, but the film avoids mocking or oversimplifying it. Instead, his condition is treated seriously and adds depth to the story.
Evaluation
Let's Start With Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
- Emotional Depth: The movie explores serious topics like trauma and redemption, making it a more thoughtful take on superhero stories.
- Strong Performances: Florence Pugh's performance as Yelena Belova stands out, with her ability to show a lot of emotion and depth in her character.
After reviewing the little I could find on what the movie was lacking, here is what people are thinking:
Weaknesses:
- Formulaic Plot: Some parts of the story are predictable and follow the same pattern as many other superhero movies, so it doesn't feel very new or fresh . Link
- Underdeveloped Characters: Even though there are a lot of characters, not all of them get enough focus or development, so some feel like they’re just in the background. Link
What Did Professional Critics Give The Movie Overall?
On Rotten Tomatoes, Thunderbolts holds an 88% critic score and a 94% audience score, indicating a positive reception from both critics and viewers.
Critics have said Thunderbolts is one of the best MCU films in recent years, praising its emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. The film's exploration of psychological themes and its fresh approach to the superhero genre have been highlighted as standout features. Comparatively, my opinion couldn't be more similar as well. I remember my first reaction after watching the film in theaters, and it was that the movie was different and unique in the best ways possible, along with an Avengers feel, which was exactly what I had wanted from Marvel.
Overall:
Thunderbolts is a solid addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, mixing action with emotional storytelling. While it isn't revolutionary, it offers a fresh take on familiar characters and a good feel that we have missed while the Avengers movies have been absent.
Engage
Examining how Marvel utilizes social media, it is evident that they are very successful in doing so. Going over 4 of the most popular social media platforms, I collected this:
Instagram showcases trailers and behind-the-scenes content, X (formerly Twitter) is filled with enthusiastic fan praise, and TikTok videos are going viral for highlighting emotional scenes. On Facebook, fan discussions focus on character development and plot twists. The film's wide acclaim is reflected in its impressive 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Marvel does a great job of stitching content and getting ads across multiple platforms. As for how people have engaged with this movie and what they're saying, I would say the movie was a success. All people that I have talked to about the movie have said they loved the uniqueness of the Film and enjoyed the movie.
Instagram showcases trailers and behind-the-scenes content, X (formerly Twitter) is filled with enthusiastic fan praise, and TikTok videos are going viral for highlighting emotional scenes. On Facebook, fan discussions focus on character development and plot twists. The film's wide acclaim is reflected in its impressive 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Marvel does a great job of stitching content and getting ads across multiple platforms. As for how people have engaged with this movie and what they're saying, I would say the movie was a success. All people that I have talked to about the movie have said they loved the uniqueness of the Film and enjoyed the movie.
Summary
Thunderbolts is a standout entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that brings back the emotional depth and team dynamic fans have missed since the Avengers era. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film blends intense action with thoughtful storytelling, focusing on characters’ inner struggles and growth, especially Florence Pugh’s powerful performance as Yelena Belova. The movie has been well-received, with an 88% critic score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Marvel has effectively used social media—Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook—to promote the film and generate strong fan engagement. While it follows some familiar superhero tropes, Thunderbolts is praised for its deeper emotional themes and more grounded, character-driven approach. Fans and critics alike are calling it one of the best MCU films in years.
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