Thunderbolts*, 2025 - ★★★★
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Initially, I was quite skeptical. The concept of taking side characters from various movies and TV series and elevating them to main roles seemed like a disaster waiting to happen. Yet, against all odds, it turned out to be surprisingly good. What could have been a flaw--the ordinariness of these characters—became the film's greatest strength. Perhaps it's precisely because these characters face the same struggles as we do that makes them more relatable, memorable, and somehow heroic.
The success of Thunderbolts lies in its strong focus on character development. It's been a while since Marvel delivered such a human-centric story. The narrative doesn't rely solely on sci-fi fantasies or over-the-top action sequences. Instead, it builds a rich, character-driven story, thoughtfully incorporating tension, suspense, and action that serve the characters--not the other way around. The film brings together a diverse group of individuals to tackle challenges, highlighting their differences while shedding light on their mental health issues rather than glossing over them.
This is exactly what Marvel needs to remind audiences why they love superhero movies. Beneath the chaos and spectacle lies the heart that captivates us and defines true heroes—the humanity, the struggle, and the courage to confront their own fears and flaws. It's the universal human struggle within each character that makes them heroes and leaves a lasting impression.
Recent Marvel films have somewhat lost this intimately human perspective, but Thunderbolts brings it back with a touch of humor. While not a total masterpiece of screenplay writing, the film fulfills its purpose by uniting incredible talents to create something entertaining AND meaningful. It's been a while since a Marvel movie made me feel this way, and it's refreshing to witness a return to what makes their stories impactful.
Sometimes, it's wonderful when a movie exceeds your expectations. I was initially hesitant to watch it, but it was well worth it. It's fun yet emotional, balancing superhero elements with humanity. I genuinely enjoyed this movie and hope Marvel continues with this type of storytelling in the future.