Details from IMDB:
Thunderbolts*
After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, an unconventional team of antiheroes must go on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.
Initial Thoughts:
Of course there was never any doubt I’d see this in theatres, as I was telling my friend yesterday I’ve seen every Marvel movie in theatre since 2008 (not all the Sony ones, a lot of them suck!), that’s almost 20 years ago! Seeing Marvel movies in theatre is something I always look forward to, I’ve enjoyed every one (some more than others of course) and I’m looking forward to this new phase. Sure Marvel movies have had their ups and downs but with the year off to a good start with Cap 4 and this one getting good reviews, I was looking forward to seeing it yesterday in IMAX.
Main Points:
I’ve got to say I really enjoyed this movie. It’s a little slow, once Yelena’s first action piece is done, but after 30 or so minutes the movie really gets moving. Everyone is excellent in this, Florence Pugh is wonderful as is David Harbour and of course Julia Louis-Dreyus is always a delight. The movie has great action but also plenty of laughs and while there the usual comedy bits there is also lots of self-deprecating humor, which is a nice change of pace for Marvel. There are some cool scenes that look better in IMAX but I wouldn’t say it is essential to the experience.
The film does something really unique and unexpected, it has a ton of heart and does a good job addressing the way a lot of people these days, depressed, angry, alone and wonderful what’s the point of life when they do the same thing day in day out. I found myself tearing up a couple of times, especially with the message that is really true, no matter what you’re going through you’re not alone, there are always people who can help, friends you can count on, someone you help get through. I also thought the message that anger is not the best solution, not the right way to live, so many people these days are more angry than ever and they need to let it go, find a way to be happy and positive. We all hurt, we all have our darkness, our void if you will, but that doesn’t need to define us or control us, it’s just a part of being human.
Final Thoughts:
Stick around for 2 post-credit scenes (that I won’t spoil), first one is really funny and the second is the big reveal. The credits are also really cool! I heard a critic talk about it and she said the credits spoil what happens to the characters and I suppose there is a little of that but really they are so creative that they are worth paying attention to, the movie is almost done after all, who cares if they spoil an end credit scene. It’s great to see Marvel putting out quality movies again, I give this a solid 8 out of 10 and would highly recommend it. Please don’t bring young kids to this, there was a parent behind me with his kids and they were chatty and I think didn’t fully understand the movie, it’s PG-13 for a reason, namely violence, some coarse language and mature themes. You should really see this in theatres, I’m tempted to see it again. I saw this sober and while a drink might be nice I wouldn’t recommend seeing it high, at least not the first time.