Florence Pugh’s Thunderbolts* Performance Gets Five *s
The fact that a group of unconventional anti-heroes managing to challenge a god of despair is mainly due to the talented cast and Schreier’s realization that they are more captivating than traditional action sequences, except for an overly shadowy fight in a hallway. Pugh stands out as she adds a sense of emotional authenticity to the film, making it seem more tangible and solid compared to recent Marvel productions. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) initially gained popularity by connecting its grand narratives with something closer to reality, starting with Iron Man, who is a weapons manufacturer seeking redemption through technological innovation. It’s ironic that as the genre appears to be heading back towards old-fashioned sincerity with reboots of Fantastic Four and Superman, Thunderbolts arrives with one of the most profound metaphors for superpowers in the MCU to date. (Alison Willmore, Vulture)