Marvel’s Thunderbolts has been intriguing me. As we have seen more of it, there is something, just something, that made me think they might have stealthily, and away from the hoo-hah of the “main” MCU characters, managed to craft something worthy of our time to view.
So does Marvel have a winner in Thunderbolts?
Well, if the reactions from the premiere screening in London last night are anything to go by then… perhaps, yes!
Obvious health warnings required, as some outlets find being invited to a premiere overwhelming and the results can mean their objectivity is not where it should be. However the reports coming out of London are overwhelmingly positive at this stage.
Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman are being singled out for particular praise.
Here is a selection of quotes from socials, as collected by Dark Horizons:
“Well #Thunderbolts is easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time (and maybe one of my new personal faves). Has so much spark, charisma, and tells a genuinely emotional story you connect with. A tear was shed. Florence Pugh in particular superb, just walks away with it”
Emily Murray, Total Film
“In many ways, different from other MCU films that have come before it, and that freshness couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune time… it’s some of Marvel’s darkest material to date, dealing with the emotional wreckage of broken individuals grappling with their past choices and finding camaraderie amidst the emptiness of their lives…. Pugh carries much of the dramatic weight of the movie on her back, while Lewis Pullman delivers a complex performance as a sympathetic character at war with himself.”
Matt Neglia, Next Best Picture
“Finally a Marvel movie that treats mental health and depression as a serious matter and not like undercutting it for the sake of a quip. A legit good character ensemble piece with a compelling Florence Pugh & Lewis Pullman performance in the center. Yay. I liked it.”
Rendy Jones, Den of Geek
“For me #Thunderbolts worked because it peeled back layers on a subject I have long fought with. Florence Pugh continues to be a stand out. I laughed but I also cried at a story I think people will relate to. Weird in places, in the best way. I can’t wait to see it again.”
Paul Klein, Film Hounds
“#Thunderbolts*: That was pretty great! A visually daring, emotionally resonant superhero film that pushes mental health to the forefront. Florence Pugh brings the heart, David Harbour is consistently funny, & Lewis Pullman might be the stealth MVP. Best MCU film in a long while”-
Amon Warmann, Fade to Black
“Shocked how good THUNDERBOLTS* is. Putting emphasis on the character work and practical action makes this feel like the old Marvel that has [eluded] us for a decade plus. Wish we’d gotten this sooner. Helps that this dysfunctional team has chemistry too”
Brandon Norwood, FilmBlerds
“#Thunderbolts* introduces a new era for Marvel, the most humane film filled with allowing their anti hero being flawed, broken and regretful. Sebastian Stan has an absolute scene stealing moment, yet Florence Pugh shows she is the true lead of the new generation and team.”
Mia Pfluger, Film & Glory
“I really dug #Thunderbolts! It’s overtly about depression, loneliness & purpose. The whole point is they’re reject characters. 2/3rds mostly ground action and 1/3rd a horror influenced nightmare. Feels like the MCU is coming together and building towards something again.”
Sean Chandler, Talks About Movies
Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus star in Thunderbolts. You all know the plot by now.
Thunderbolts opens on May 1st internationally and May 2nd in the United States.