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Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

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Old 04-30-25 | 04:32 PM
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Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread






Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes—Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker. After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. Will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite as something much more before it’s too late?




Rated PG-13

Running Time: 126 Minutes


RT Score: 88% with 138 reviews

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thunderbolts

There is mid-credits scene and post credits scene. The post credits scene is reportedly close to 3 minutes long.



Old 04-30-25 | 04:40 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Tomorrow night! Can't wait. Looks great.
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Old 05-01-25 | 07:15 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Bump showings started tonight at 5pm.

Anyone attend the IMAX fan screening? Was there anything else special about it aside from a key chain being given out?

Leaving in about 15 minutes. If there is a Thunderbolts cup with Yelena topper, I might get one. I'll pass on the popcorn bucket.
Old 05-01-25 | 07:21 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Showing started before 5 pm today.
Ours was 3:30
I gave it 4.5 stars thought it was great.
Old 05-01-25 | 07:30 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Damn, this was pretty damn good. Looking forward for more.

Old 05-01-25 | 07:51 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

I found this to be just okay. Nothing really to complain about, but nothing much to rave about either. The best scene is the one a lot of people will miss, as it occurs at the end of the credits.

I honestly thought the film plays rather “small” until the final half hour. It looked like something shot for Disney+ rather than a big theatrical release. That didn’t affect my rating of the movie, I just found it visually rather drab.
Old 05-01-25 | 09:10 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Loved it - Yelena and Bucky are two of my favorite MCU characters so it was a blast to have them together. Always enjoy Red Guardian, and it was nice that Ghost got some more to do. And Walker remains an asshole, which is great.

I just rewatched The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (which is MUCH better than it gets credit for) and Hawkeye (probably my fave Disney+ show) in prep for this and it was fun to see these characters again on the big screen.

Tons of great moments. Loved the escape from the bunker up the elevator shaft. I’m surprised Taskmaster wasn’t in it longer. And I actually liked the smaller scale - everyone always complains about every movie having a world-ending crisis. This was a nice change of pace.

And the “shadow” attacks were creepy as hell.

Lastly, the reveal of what the asterisk after the title meant was chef’s kiss followed by the final credit scene - can’t wait to see what’s next!
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Old 05-01-25 | 09:16 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

One of the previews said the asterisk was
Spoiler:
Avengers not available

Old 05-01-25 | 09:17 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Originally Posted by DJariya
Bump showings started tonight at 5pm.

Anyone attend the IMAX fan screening? Was there anything else special about it aside from a key chain being given out?

Leaving in about 15 minutes. If there is a Thunderbolts cup with Yelena topper, I might get one. I'll pass on the popcorn bucket.
We did the IMAX fan screening. Nothing special about it. For some reason they played the IMAX version trailer of this movie. It was a bit odd. Just the key chain. I thought there was going to be a behind the scenes video or at least a welcome video but there wasn't. We don't have A list and the showing fit with my schedule so that's the only reason we went to the "Fan" screening. The paint already chipped off of my daughter's keychain.

I actually did end up getting the popcorn bucket. But not the limo. They had a nice tin popcorn bucket which was actually pretty nice and not as thin as some tin buckets I've seen I like the design of it and the characters are even in relief on the bucket. Plus it was "only" $15 so only $5 overcharge from a large popcorn. I was disappointed that apparently at AMC you can't use rewards dollars for merch??? Even though it was a popcorn bucket? Weird.
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Old 05-01-25 | 09:32 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Originally Posted by Shannon Nutt
I found this to be just okay. Nothing really to complain about, but nothing much to rave about either. The best scene is the one a lot of people will miss, as it occurs at the end of the credits.

I honestly thought the film plays rather “small” until the final half hour. It looked like something shot for Disney+ rather than a big theatrical release. That didn’t affect my rating of the movie, I just found it visually rather drab.
I have the completely opposite opinion. I thought it was great. It was an MCU movie that finally felt like an MCU movie. In otherwords, yeah the characters in it did come from multiple different movies and TV shows but it still felt like a self contained MCU movie that naturally existed in the greater MCU. Like the first few phases did. I like that it played small. Made it much more personal which is what the MCU has been missing for awhile now.

But I also thought that visually it played very large. I thought the cinematography was very well done with a lot of on location set pieces. Again, something that's been missing in the MCU.
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Old 05-01-25 | 09:56 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

I thought this movie was great. In a lot of ways it was a return to form for the MCU. One thing a lot of movies post Endgame have been missing is heart and cast chemistry. This movie definitely had it in spades. Reminded me a little bit of the theme of found family in GotG.
  • The origin of the name Thunderbolts*
  • What the asterisk means in Thunderbolts*
  • Movie was genuinely funny
  • Less reliance on CGI
  • Real set pieces, real props, real stunts
  • Red Guardian was great
  • cap Cap was still an ass which completely fit with this movie. I'm glad he didn't "redeem" himself.
  • I really hated Valentina before. But she works much better here as a straight up villain.
  • Florence Pugh did a great job and really carried this movie.
  • I was a little surprised at Bucky's diminished role but he was still great in the movie.
  • Bob was great as well.
  • The best end credits scene in an MCU movie in a very long time
  • I thought Sam trademarking the Avengers was hilarious and Red Guardians response: the AvengerZ
I'm really looking forward to more from this team. I hope they'll still be able to be around after Doomsday.
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Old 05-01-25 | 10:36 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

The tanman post above, I completely agree with and came here to say much of the same. Really really enjoyed this one and the second best movie since Endgame, right behind No Way Home. I don't know how you can watch this and not enjoy that there was so many practical effects and non-cgi sets. Like "looks drab??" Anywhos, Florence has never been better, Red Guardian was a hoot, and Jr Varsity Cap was an asshole in the best way. This one also goes deep with talk of depression, loneliness, suicidal ideation, addiction. These are just regular people and we sometimes forget that. I hope this one does very well because they deserve it.
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Old 05-01-25 | 11:09 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Originally Posted by Draven

And the “shadow” attacks were creepy as hell.
For me they were too reminiscent of the snap. But glad everyone came back in the end.

So what's Bob going to do in the future since he's too afraid of becoming The Sentry?
Old 05-01-25 | 11:20 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

I thought the shadow attacks were fascinating but bordering on inappropriate since they were almost certainly inspired by nuclear shadows. Shadows of people that were victims of the nuclear bombs.

Old 05-01-25 | 11:37 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Originally Posted by Double_Oh_7
For me they were too reminiscent of the snap. But glad everyone came back in the end.

So what's Bob going to do in the future since he's too afraid of becoming The Sentry?

I have no doubt we will see Sentry again
Old 05-02-25 | 01:01 AM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Originally Posted by whotony
I have no doubt we will see Sentry again
Absolutely going to be a Doomsday or (whatever comes after) big reveal in a heroic moment.
Old 05-02-25 | 01:49 AM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

I thought it was a really solid movie and very different. It tackled subject matters that many probably don't feel comfortable talking about. Depression, loneliness, Questioning your self worth. I think Florence Pugh gave a really solid performance taking on that material, showing a lot vulnerability while continuing to show that Yelena is still a badass.

And of course the action was fun as well as the bits of humor. It's funny how Lewis Pullman's "Bob" had the exact same name as his call sign in Top Gun Maverick. A strange coincidence. His character also had a lot of depth.

The whole "Thunderbolts*" team and their dynamic worked really well together. Walmart Captain America was still a fucking dick. I was a little surprised as well that Taskmaster had such a small part in this.

And Valentina was a straight up bitch in this. That played to Dreyfus' strength.

Lastly, it was a nice change of pace that this didn't involve some end of days scenario. The threat was much more grounded.

Overall, I think I'm around an A- for this. It's one of the best MCU films since Endgame. Easily IMO the best of Phase 5,

And yes, loved the tease for the Fantastic Four at the end.

"The New Avengers and Bob will return"

I went to AMC and was able to get the Thunderbolts cup with the Yelena Funko topper. If it wasn't her, I would have gotten Bucky.

Last edited by DJariya; 05-02-25 at 01:56 AM.
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Old 05-02-25 | 01:59 AM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Originally Posted by tanman
We did the IMAX fan screening. Nothing special about it. For some reason they played the IMAX version trailer of this movie. It was a bit odd. Just the key chain. I thought there was going to be a behind the scenes video or at least a welcome video but there wasn't. We don't have A list and the showing fit with my schedule so that's the only reason we went to the "Fan" screening. The paint already chipped off of my daughter's keychain.

I actually did end up getting the popcorn bucket. But not the limo. They had a nice tin popcorn bucket which was actually pretty nice and not as thin as some tin buckets I've seen I like the design of it and the characters are even in relief on the bucket. Plus it was "only" $15 so only $5 overcharge from a large popcorn. I was disappointed that apparently at AMC you can't use rewards dollars for merch??? Even though it was a popcorn bucket? Weird.
So dumb. Why even call it a "Fan Event" and only get a freaking keychain and make customers who have A-List pay full ticket price with nothing else? Not even a nice print or poster. I went an 1 hour later, used my A-List for Dolby with no extra charge. The key chain can beat it.
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Old 05-02-25 | 02:15 AM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

Originally Posted by DJariya
So dumb. Why even call it a "Fan Event" and only get a freaking keychain and make customers who have A-List pay full ticket price with nothing else? Not even a nice print or poster. I went an 1 hour later, used my A-List for Dolby with no extra charge. The key chain can beat it.

I'm guessing because of the keychain? If it was included with A list then everyone might overwhelm that showing even if just for the trinket?

It would be nice if they allowed an upgrade for folks with A list so if they wanted the trinket or to attend the fan event then they wouldn't have to pay for the entire thing.

There was not very many people in the fan event. It was a 5:30 showtime on a Thursday but I think it's because, at least around here, all the AMC theaters have the nicer recliner seats except IMAX. Which still has the really old school straight back seats. So I think a lot of people avoid the IMAX showings.
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Old 05-02-25 | 08:04 AM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

I used A-List for the 8:30pm IMAX showing and they gave me the keychain. When I saw Accountant 2, they had the posters available too, but I didn't want one
Old 05-02-25 | 08:40 AM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

When I watched this last night, my brain kept trying to plug Steven Yuen into the Bob role even though I knew Lewis Pullman was on screen. It was weird.

I liked Lewis Pullman’s portrayal of Bob/Sentry/Void, but in the end concluded either actor would have been fine.

I really liked the movie regardless of that. 4 out of 5. I’d like to see it again.
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Old 05-02-25 | 10:14 AM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

I thought the movie was thoroughly mediocre. The dialogue was way too on-the-nose throughout and the underwhelming action sequences could not make up for the subpar writing. The depressed supervillain who just needs a hug storyline was done much better in Everything Everywhere All at Once, which this film was clearly influenced by. They even went so far as to have Son Lux do the musical score and have a human billboard character go kung fu with their sign. Elaine Benes was one-note as the Tulsi Gabbard baddie and Harbour, who I usually like, was incessantly over-the-top with his broad humor.
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Old 05-02-25 | 11:12 AM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

We see all of our movies at the Alamo Drafthouse now. Best deal on a monthly pass ($20 bucks a month and you can see a movie every day) and no talking/texting strictly enforced. And the food is good.

They do a 30 minute pre-show before every movie and we always try to get there early enough to catch the whole thing. It's fun to try and figure out why they are showing us what was in it. This one had a clip about the sign spinning world championships, a Wheaties commercial and the music video for "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now". So fun to see all of those come up in the actual film.
Old 05-02-25 | 03:42 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

I saw it last night and loved it. Florence Pugh was great and has rapidly become one of my favorite actresses. Sebastian Stan, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour and Julia-Louis-Dreyfus were great too. No surprise they killed off Taskmaster in the bunker scene as she was not in any of the other trailer scenes. This was a much much better MCU film than Captain America: BNW.

It was the fan event I went to as it was the only showtime that worked for me and my friends last night. Free large soda and keychain with it. At least I was able to trade for the keychain I wanted (Yelena).

Most likely going to see this again before MI wipes out the good screens.
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Old 05-02-25 | 03:45 PM
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Re: Thunderbolts* -- (2025, D: Schreier) -- The Spoiler Reviews Thread

I liked it a lot. It felt sort of like a Guardians movie to me.

I’ve been a fan of Pugh’s Yelena so far and she was great in this. Red Guardian is a character that I imagine I would find annoying in large doses, not sure if it’s the character or how over the top Harbour plays him, but he was fine in this.

Nice to have a post credits scene.worth sticking around for.
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