THUNDERBOLTS*

Now more than ever, it feels as if the MCU is at a critical point to keep people invested in the juggernaut of a franchise that once soared so high. It will always keep a loyal legion of fans but there's no denying there's been a lull in interest with particular films releasing to such meagre numbers the franchise is used to. The Multiverse Saga has been accused of lacking direction compared to the Infinity Saga, yet that all feels like it could change with the release of Thunderbolts*.

Ensnared in a death trap, an unconventional team of antiheroes -- Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) -- embarks on a dangerous mission that forces them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

This isn't the first time we've seen a bunch of misfits formed into something of a team in the MCU, James Gunn endearing the world to the Guardians of the Galaxy over the course of their own trilogy. It's a winning formula, seeing a team struggle to fit together before coming good, but Thunderbolts* isn't afraid to change the formula a little to become one of the most fascinating MCU projects in recent memory. Opening with a daring stunt performed by Florence Pugh's Yelena - jumping off the second tallest building in the world - we are thrown right into the action, and things move very swiftly from that point. There's moments of slick action scattered throughout as the team come to blows a number of times, yet it's an impressive finale that really makes the film stand out. If you're expecting a city destroying fight to save the world, you'll be disappointed. What Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo write into the finale is much darker and thoughtful than that, and it comes with the bonus of Bucky punching a man in a chicken suit.

Yes, you read that right. Thunderbolts* isn't afraid to be goofy but it should be lauded for wearing its heart on its sleeve. These are broken characters banded together, each with dark pasts that plague their present selves, and the reflection on mental health and battling inner demons makes for an emotionally resonant conclusion centred around Lewis Pullman's Sentry, who makes for such an interesting antagonist. As mentioned, it's not afraid to be goofy as well and director Jake Schreier balances both the comedic and emotional aspects admirably. Personally, the film gets off to a wobbly start in terms of the comedy but it grew stronger as events unfold, not surprising that happens to be as the team gains more members, so maybe it's an intentional choice to symbolise the team having to gel.

The greatest strength of Thunderbolts* is the performances from the impressive cast assembled, Florence Pugh front and centre with a fantastic performance as Yelena. Still not over the loss of Natasha and very much trying to find her way in life, Pugh brings such vulnerability to the character, a scene between her and David Harbour's Red Guardian later in the film emotionally poignant. Pugh is the beating heart of the film and someone they need to keep around in the MCU for as long as possible, she's just that good. Sebastian Stan is effortlessly cool as Bucky Barnes - epitomised by him channeling Arnold Schwarzenegger in T2 on a motorbike - and it's fun to watch him try to rein the team in to help stop the threat.

It's very much an ensemble piece full of fun performances, the likes of Hannah John-Kamen returning to roles after a while away and fitting in seamlessly. David Harbour totally understands the assignment as Red Guardian, getting most of the laughs as a result, while it's Wyatt Russell as John Walker who feels the least settled into the role at this point. Lewis Pullman makes for an interesting new addition to the universe, his Bob and later Sentry plagued by amnesia and a troubled past that results in almost catastrophic events. Pullman's performance allows the audience to feel great empathy for a man who never chose to be what they made him.

It's fun to see them put some effort into a post credit scene for once too as it becomes clearer where the MCU is heading, the second in particular one you do not want to miss. Also, the discovery of what the asterisk in the title means isn't exactly mind-blowing but it is most definitely satisfying for the future of the franchise. Thunderbolts* is the better of the MCU films released so far this year, its depiction of mental health struggles within these antiheroes and the performances on show the strongest assets.

Verdict: ★★★★