Is “Thunderbolts*” the MCU comeback fans have been waiting for? I think it’s a strong contender, but it really feels like Marvel films can only go up from here. 

After a series of underwhelming releases, Marvel seemed to really be on its last leg in terms of movies. But I think “Thunderbolts*” really reignited fans’ hope for the franchise.

The movie gives the audience a superpowered interpretation of the effects of stuffing your bad emotions down in the form of what’s essentially Marvel’s Superman, Sentry (Lewis Pullman).

Now to take down an Avengers level threat you’d need an Avengers level team . . . but we don’t get that in “Thunderbolts*.” What we get is a team of emotional misfits consisting of three super soldiers, a Black Widow, and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen). 

However I feel that makes the theme of the movie more compelling. Because we have a team who can’t go blow for blow with such a powerful enemy, the only option is to empathize with him, helping him to face his problems while simultaneously coming to terms with theirs.

Now on the surface “Thunderbolts*” may seem like an MCU movie to skip over because of the lackluster character choices, but I think a combination of the great visuals the movie features, with Florence Pugh’s compelling performance as Yelena Belova, and the cool moments we get from Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier on top of the relatability of the theme makes this film so good. 

Which really makes me think “Thunderbolts*” is one of the best Marvel movies of recent years and gives me high hopes that Marvel is finally building its big return to the center of superhero movies.