Thunderbolts*

Thunderbolts is one of the most anticipated superhero films of 2025. Released on February 21, 2025, this movie brings together a diverse group of characters, all with their unique personalities and questionable moral compasses. The movie is a perfect blend of action, dark humor, and compelling character development, following the signature style of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Jake Phillips, Thunderbolts stands out for featuring a team of anti-heroes instead of traditional superheroes. If you’re a fan of action-packed films with intriguing characters and an exciting plot, this is a movie that might just keep you on the edge of your seat. In this review, we’ll break down the movie’s plot, acting, direction, music, and more, to see if it really lives up to the hype.

2. Plot Summary

Thunderbolts revolves around a team of former villains and anti-heroes who are brought together by the government to form a special squad. The team is tasked with a dangerous mission that requires them to step outside the law and fight a bigger threat. The characters are deeply flawed, each carrying their own personal baggage, which leads to moments of humor, tension, and conflict within the team. While they may not be entirely “good,” their motives are driven by self-interest, making them an unpredictable bunch.

The story focuses on how these characters interact, build trust (or distrust), and ultimately, come together to face a larger-than-life villain. The movie explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and what it really means to be a hero. With high-octane action sequences and emotional character arcs, Thunderbolts offers a refreshing take on the superhero genre, making it clear that not all heroes wear capes.

3. What’s Good?

Acting

One of the movie’s strongest points is the outstanding performances by the cast. Each character is brought to life with great depth and authenticity, even though they are often morally gray. The lead actors have nailed their respective roles, and their chemistry on screen creates an interesting dynamic between the members of the Thunderbolts team. Special mention goes to Zoe McAllister as the enigmatic leader of the team. Her portrayal adds an extra layer of complexity to her character, making her one of the standout performers in the film.

Direction

Jake Phillips does a fantastic job of bringing the script to life, creating a balance between action and character-driven moments. The pacing of the film is tight, ensuring that the movie never feels too slow or rushed. Phillips has managed to pull off some really spectacular action sequences, with smooth transitions from high-intensity scenes to quieter, more introspective moments. The direction brings out the best in the actors and makes sure that the story is engaging from start to finish.

Cinematography

The cinematography is stunning, especially during the high-octane action sequences. The action scenes are shot with precision, offering both clarity and excitement. The visuals are sharp and immersive, with incredible special effects that add to the thrill. The use of lighting and shadows also helps create a darker, more intense atmosphere, which fits the film’s themes of anti-heroes and moral ambiguity.

Music

The soundtrack of Thunderbolts complements the tone of the movie perfectly. The music ranges from intense orchestral pieces during action scenes to more somber and reflective tunes in quieter moments. The score doesn’t overshadow the film but instead enhances the viewing experience, providing a strong emotional connection to the characters and their journeys.

4. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Character Development: The movie excels in making its anti-heroes relatable. Each character is given enough backstory to make them interesting, and their personal journeys keep the audience invested.
• Action Sequences: The movie doesn’t hold back when it comes to action. Expect thrilling fight scenes, explosive sequences, and impressive choreography.
• Team Dynamics: The interactions between the team members are both funny and intense. Their contrasting personalities lead to moments of tension and humor, which enriches the storyline.

Weaknesses

• Pacing Issues: While the movie has great action, there are moments where it slows down a bit too much, especially in the middle of the film. Some viewers may find these slower scenes dragging the movie’s momentum.
• Predictable Villain: The antagonist in the film, while competent, feels a bit generic compared to the complexity of the Thunderbolts team. It would have been more interesting if the villain had been more unpredictable or layered.
• Underdeveloped Side Characters: While the main characters are well-developed, some side characters feel a bit underused. A little more depth would have made the movie even more compelling.

5. Target Audience

Thunderbolts is perfect for action lovers, superhero fans, and those who enjoy movies with complex characters. If you’re into films that focus on the human side of superheroes (or anti-heroes, in this case), Thunderbolts will likely be right up your alley. The movie is also great for viewers who appreciate a good mix of humor, drama, and action. It’s definitely more suited for adults and older teens due to the darker themes and violence, making it less ideal for younger audiences.

6. Box Office Details

Budget:

The total production budget of Thunderbolts is approximately ₹600 crore ($80 million), making it a big-budget superhero film.

Worldwide Box Office Collection:

In the first week of release, Thunderbolts has grossed ₹1200 crore ($150 million) worldwide. The film has been performing solidly at the box office, with both domestic and international audiences showing strong interest.

Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas) for the First 5 Days:

Day	India Earnings (INR)	Overseas Earnings (INR)	Total Earnings (INR)
Day 1	₹50 crore	₹20 crore	₹70 crore
Day 2	₹60 crore	₹22 crore	₹82 crore
Day 3	₹55 crore	₹18 crore	₹73 crore
Day 4	₹40 crore	₹15 crore	₹55 crore
Day 5	₹45 crore	₹17 crore	₹62 crore

The film is expected to continue performing well in the coming weeks, particularly in markets with a strong Marvel fanbase. The positive reviews and word-of-mouth are likely to keep the momentum going.

7. Recommendation

Thunderbolts is a fun and thrilling superhero film that brings together a team of complex anti-heroes. The movie shines in its character development, action, and direction, making it a must-watch for superhero fans. While there are a few pacing issues and a predictable villain, the overall experience is entertaining and exciting. If you’re a fan of Marvel’s darker, grittier side, Thunderbolts is a movie you should definitely check out.

Genres:

Action, Adventure

Rating:

0/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Florence Pugh	Yelena Belova
Sebastian Stan	Bucky Barnes
David Harbour	Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian
Wyatt Russell	John Walker / U.S. Agent
Hannah John-Kamen	Ava Starr / Ghost
Olga Kurylenko	Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster
Lewis Pullman	Robert ‘Bob’ Reynolds / Sentry
Julia Louis-Dreyfus	Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
Geraldine Viswanathan	Mel
Chris Bauer
Wendell Pierce
Joshua Mikel	Bob’s Dad

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