Thunderbolts Movie Review: Hit And Miss Action With A Standout Pugh Performance

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Post on May 03, 2025

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Thunderbolts Movie Review: Hit and Miss Action with a Standout Pugh Performance

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues its expansion into darker, more morally ambiguous territory with Thunderbolts, a film that promises a thrilling heist gone wrong, but ultimately delivers a mixed bag of action, compelling characters, and questionable plot points. While Florence Pugh's performance as Yelena Belova shines brightly, the film struggles to find a consistent tone and satisfying narrative arc, leaving audiences with a feeling of missed potential.

A Team of Anti-Heroes: A Familiar MCU Formula?

Thunderbolts assembles a ragtag team of former villains and morally gray characters, including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), US Agent (Wyatt Russell), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and the surprisingly charming (and potentially lethal) Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). The premise, a high-stakes mission with potentially world-altering consequences, is familiar MCU territory, but the execution feels somewhat uneven. The film attempts to balance humor, action, and emotional depth, but the tonal shifts often feel jarring and abrupt.

Florence Pugh Steals the Show

Despite the film's inconsistencies, Florence Pugh delivers a powerhouse performance. Her Yelena Belova is the emotional core of the Thunderbolts team, and Pugh expertly portrays both her fierce determination and underlying vulnerability. Her chemistry with the other characters, particularly with Red Guardian, is palpable and provides some of the film's most compelling moments. This performance alone makes Thunderbolts worth watching, elevating it above a generic superhero ensemble piece.

Action Sequences: Style Over Substance?

The action sequences in Thunderbolts are visually impressive, featuring impressive CGI and creative fight choreography. However, some sequences feel excessive and overly reliant on spectacle, sacrificing narrative clarity for explosive moments. While the visual flair is undeniable, the sheer volume of action occasionally overshadows character development and plot progression.

A Plot That Feels Rushed

The plot of Thunderbolts moves at a breakneck pace, sometimes to its detriment. Several plot points feel underdeveloped, and the motivations of some characters remain unclear. The film's ending, while providing a sense of closure, leaves several threads unresolved, hinting at potential sequels that may or may not materialize. This rushed pacing prevents the audience from fully connecting with the characters' journeys and the stakes of their mission.

Should You See It?

Thunderbolts is a film that will likely divide audiences. Fans of Florence Pugh's performance will undoubtedly find much to appreciate, while others may find the uneven pacing and inconsistent tone frustrating. The film is certainly not a masterpiece, but it offers enough entertaining action and compelling character moments to warrant a viewing, especially for those invested in the wider MCU narrative. However, don't go in expecting a flawless superhero epic; Thunderbolts is more of a thrilling, if flawed, adventure.

Keywords: Thunderbolts, Marvel, MCU, movie review, Florence Pugh, Yelena Belova, David Harbour, Red Guardian, action movie, superhero movie, movie review 2024, Marvel Cinematic Universe, superhero film, anti-hero, box office, film review

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Call to Action: What did you think of Thunderbolts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!