Running Time: 126 minutes
This feature from Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios opens exclusively in theaters and IMAX screens on May 2nd.
After taking the motion picture world by storm, it has been a slow couple of years for Marvel Studios. Yes, the recent Deadpool & Wolverine was a colossal hit, but it appeared only tangentially connected to other studio efforts (which may have been a good thing). Comparatively, several other titles from the past two phases of films have struggled to make a lasting impression. Of course, in part this is because after 35 films, it’s hard to see much that is original. Thunderbolts* attempts to buck the recent downward trend by focusing on downtrodden and eccentric characters. It results in one of the better titles of this particular phase, although it is still not without problems.
The central plot involves Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), ex-Black Widow operative and adopted sister of now deceased Natasha Romanov aka Black Widow (who was played by Scarlett Johansson). The agent still works for crooked CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) but feels disillusioned and lost. With de Fontaine’s sketchy secret activities coming under government scrutiny, Yelena is sent on a mission and unexpectedly encounters several antiheroes, including the Taskmasker (Olga Kurylenko), rejected Captain America successor John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr aka Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) and the mysterious Bob (Lewis Pullman). It turns out to be an elaborate set-up and Yelena ends up on the run with others, eventually teaming with Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) and her adopted dad, Red Guardian (David Harbour), to try and foil de Fontaine’s plans.
The conceit is a good one. We’ve seen plenty of seemingly flawless and immensely talented superheroes, but these characters have issues and seem more prone to failure, adding some tension to the proceedings. This effort also doesn’t feel as epic as some of the other Marvel titles, allowing it a slightly grittier and more personal feel. There are a few memorable action scenes, particularly during the final act. This involves a battle on a busy city street filled with the potential for collateral damage.
This slightly more intimate approach also lends the film the opportunity to address more trials and past traumas of the characters. They all have horrible histories, and a minor subplot suggests that some of the individuals yearn for some recognition, which leads to some funny observations on fame and becoming a celebrity. Additionally, the cast are all solid in their roles. Not all of the bickering between them earns big laughs, but there are some funny quips and the name of the team is an amusing running gag. It’s also a winning moment to see the less-than-perfect individuals attempt to become heroes when trouble ultimately does arise.
Of course, as with many recent Marvel outings, there are problems. The leads aren’t the best of the best, and it is interesting to see Yelena take a different approach towards the main threat during the climax. However, with the exception of the street scene noted earlier, the group doesn’t do a whole lot over the course of the story. One does wish that these off-brand characters weren’t simply reacting and, even while struggling, did a little more.
And as is the way with recent franchise films, there isn’t a big finale to the proceedings. Earlier Marvel would include a specific villain and tie up the majority of plot threads. Admittedly, there is an end, but it feels like the screenplay is ultimately offering more set-up than pay-off. As the credits roll, many of the figures involved appear destined to square off yet again down the road.
Thunderbirds* isn’t a full return to the glory days of Marvel movies, but it is a decent effort that, thanks to its talented cast, offers some chuckles, a moment or two of drama and an exciting action sequence or two. It’s a perfectly entertaining popcorn flick and one that will be appreciated by comic book movie enthusiasts.