Thunderbolts Review: A Grounded Marvel Tale with Real Emotional Weight

Thunderbolts Surprises with Simplicity and Depth

Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts* may not have shocked audiences with plot twists, but it delivered something arguably more valuable in today's superhero landscape: sincerity and substance. In this episode, brothers Marvelous Joe and Johnny DC review the film, praising its grounded approach, its character-driven narrative, and its stylistic departure from traditional Marvel fare. Though the asterisk in the title is revealed to have thematic meaning, the real surprise comes from how well the film balances anti-hero introspection with action spectacle. Joe calls it his new favorite Marvel movie, and both hosts applaud its refusal to rely on CGI-heavy worldbuilding, instead focusing on emotional complexity and practical effects.

A Character Study That Prioritizes Emotion Over Spectacle

Unlike sprawling cosmic adventures, Thunderbolts* narrows its scope. The story takes place over a short time span and limited locations, which the hosts compare favorably to contained narratives like Reservoir Dogs. The film’s strength lies in its exploration of mental illness, guilt, and redemption. The dynamic between team members like Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, and the Sentry provides fertile ground for compelling personal arcs. Joe and Johnny emphasize how much the film values psychological development—especially with Sentry’s portrayal, which leans heavily into his inner turmoil and dissociative identity disorder. Rather than building toward another Avengers-level event, this movie keeps its focus on its flawed characters trying to find their place.

The Asterisk Explained—and a Bold Marketing Choice

One of the podcast’s early talking points is the film’s title: Thunderbolts*. Rather than functioning as an attention-grabbing gimmick, the asterisk represents the fact that this team isn’t the Thunderbolts in the traditional comic sense—they’re essentially the New Avengers. Joe and Johnny commend Marvel Studios for resisting the temptation to market the film under the more recognizable "Avengers" label, calling it a decision made for art over commerce. Though some might argue the final twist—revealing the team will continue operating under Valentina—undercuts that symbolism, the hosts appreciate the thematic risk of prioritizing the team's moral ambiguity over tidy justice.

Standout Performances and Disappointments

Florence Pugh’s Yelena is the emotional center of the film. The hosts applaud her deadpan delivery and the character’s arc from depression to renewed purpose. David Harbour’s Red Guardian also earns praise for his transformation from comic relief to unexpected team mentor. Meanwhile, Lewis Pullman’s take on the Sentry is lauded for bringing subtlety and gravitas to a character that could have easily been over-the-top. However, the episode doesn’t shy away from criticism. Taskmaster and Songbird are singled out as wasted opportunities, especially for comic book fans hoping for more faithful or impactful portrayals. Ghost is similarly underutilized, prompting a conversation about how some characters felt shoehorned into the narrative.

Therapy Over Firepower: A Unique Climax

The hosts spend considerable time dissecting the film’s emotional finale, where the Thunderbolts defeat the Void not through combat, but through emotional support and understanding. What could have come off as cheesy—defeating evil with a group hug—was made powerful through the lens of therapy and healing. This bold choice ties directly into the film’s exploration of mental illness and trauma. Johnny likens it to the kind of redemption arc not often explored in superhero films, while Joe emphasizes how unusual and effective it was for a Marvel movie to embrace vulnerability as strength. The final judgment? Thunderbolts* is a fresh, meaningful, and expertly executed entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Listen to the full episode here: Thunderbolts Review: Marvel’s Boldest Character-Driven Film.