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Marvel's "Thunderbolts" Receives Positive Reception Ahead of Release

Critics praise "Thunderbolts" as a grounded addition to the MCU, focusing on antiheroes navigating personal struggles amid an engaging action narrative.


Overview

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Marvel's "Thunderbolts," directed by Jake Schreier, features a group of antiheroes with complex pasts including Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes. With a strong critical score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's noted for its emotional depth, leaving behind the typical superhero spectacle. The plot follows these characters as they confront CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after a failed trap, leading them on a mission to save Bob, a man grappling with inner demons. Critics appreciate Florence Pugh's standout performance as Yelena and the film's focus on mental health themes, though some characters, like Ava Starr/Ghost, lack development.

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Analysis

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Yelena Belova's character encapsulates the disillusionment present within the MCU, questioning the purpose of her missions in a cinematic universe that lacks direction.

The film's ensemble cast consists mostly of lesser-known characters, emphasizing a sense of aimlessness in the current state of the MCU, while trying to inject fun amidst its flaws.

The movie's grounding in character-driven storytelling and the exploration of deeper themes such as boredom and existential crisis is seen as a welcomed change from typical superhero spectacles.

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Marvel Doesn’t Have to Try So Hard
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