I was excited to watch Thunderbolts during the weekend, and it feels like a return to form for Marvel Studios. After a string of lackluster and directionless releases with all convoluted attempts to make the multiverse work, this film feels like a breath of fresh air. There is strong chemistry between the characters and because of this we get a more grounded and meaningful adventure. The film takes its time to explore the character’s backgrounds and motivations, allowing us to connect on a deeper level.

Yelena steps into the spotlight as a compelling protagonist. While we’ve seen her before in the MCU, Thunderbolts dives deeper into her emotional journey, offering a fresh insight into her motivations. The same goes for a character like John Walker an antagonist in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier whose development in this film has us rooting for him by the end.

A standout of the film is the dynamic between Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Red Guardian (David Harbour), whose banter and team interactions add both heart and humor to the group.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is great as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a character who feels like a dark reflection of Nick Fury. If Fury was the steady hand guiding heroes from the shadows with stoic purpose, Valentina is the puppet master pulling strings with a hidden agenda. Where he built the Avengers, she builds something far murkier and it’s thrilling to watch unfold.

As a longtime Marvel fan, Thunderbolts feels like a solid stepping stone into what’s next. It reignites excitement in a universe that was starting to feel tired. For us at Truth Be Told, it’s a confident 3.8 out of 5 stars. An enjoyable, character-driven film that’s well worth seeing on the big screen.