In this film I saw a chance for a new story to emerge and continue to build purpose. Thunderbolts* has an approach that fuels the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A sense of restoration lies ahead. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film is written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo. The many filmmakers behind Thunderbolts* loops in enticement that creates an immersive moviegoing experience.  Thunderbolts* may seem whacky at times, but the characterizations build upon each other as a new team arises.

The film begins with a group of antiheroes. They are Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Robert Reynolds/Sentry (Lewis Pullman), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen). They all come to the realization that they are the targets of a trap. This leads them into a mission that will bring up a bad and rude awakening. With one questioning lead, there might be more for these heroes than they anticipated. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julie Louis-Dreyfus) appears to be the enemy of what is at stake and one to watch out for.

For this new feature, I felt the dynamics come together to realize there is a greater good. A lot of the quirkiness is between the performances of Pugh, Harbour, and Russell—they all have that spark that gains momentum from each other’s senses of humor. There is a foundation combining power to build resilience for the moments ahead. Thunderbolts* is not spectacular, but the layout of who to root for plays a vital role in the film’s continuity, and it is unstoppable.

Overall, there is a sense of curiosity. The film begs the question of why these heroes are the ones that are the targets? Why are they the focus? The proper answer to these two questions is because they all still have uncharted territory to learn. Much of that comes from the politics that interweave throughout the filmand this is where the enemy Valentina comes up as the red flag.

It is not exactly filled with action and explosions, but it evokes a value of laughter in its nature. This is of course in the good sense. Thunderbolts* is a title that is a springboard for new adventures to be movie-bound later down the line. Sparks for attention and excitement spiral the film’s humor. The butting heads of the heroes are just the beginning. Thunderbolts* is a landscape for powers to keep growing and have an exploration that develops immersive components.

Deep down, much of this film finds its brilliance in being written with the trust of no one single direction.   Audiences can sense a portrait of frustration or annoyance within the heroes. That alone, is the sign that some may be on the side its audience is hoping for, and some may not. Altogether there is a resolution of expectations that throttles the fun of Thunderbolts*. A Marvel film almost making it to the brilliance spectacle, but not quite there. An excellent start to building more character development. Three out of four stars.