Thunderbolts*

Tension: Will they work together? Will they take down Val? What will happen to Bob? Will Yalena be happy? Theme: We can’t do life alone, we need each other. Everyone’s life has value no matter their past and who they think they are. Writing: Some really good writing and subtext, especially with the themes of mental health and loneliness. Almost cried a little at certain parts. Very thoughtful with the rooms and what they meant like Yalena’s past self forcing herself to drink. Also just very distinct characters for the most part. I say for the most part because I didn’t really get the purpose of Ghost besides she just has a really cool power. Bucky I heard could have had more screen time, which I agree, but also I can see why they didn’t considering he essentially had his own C plot as a congressman. I hadn’t seen Black Widow but Yalena was a breath of fresh air compared to Natasha if I’m being honest, they felt too different in their approaches and views on life. She was just a ton more relatable. It very much did help that they pulled from save the cat but instead did save the gin eau pig, despite her being the one to put it at risk haha. Part of me felt like all their relationships were a little rushed with how short of a time period it was, but I think it was supposed to show that this was just the beginning of everything, not that it meant this was everything that they encapsulated. I don’t know if they had many crazy moments to qualify as “The New Avengers”, but maybe it’s fitting because they seem so unqualified. I liked all the weird newspaper articles at the end. Also, some great comedy in it as well that should be acknowledged, especially this kind of humor that has to be a little deadpan and with negative characters is hard to pull off at times. Acting: Bob was by far my favorite, both dramatically and comedically. I was so impressed by his range of character, and just how he hinted at his past with simple expressions, and how much he differentiated everything. And he was overall very likable flaws and all. Yalena had some great acting as well, not an easy role to execute. I love David Harbour and he was really funny, but there were many times his accent was slipping up. But I couldn’t do much better, I’m still very impressed. Valentina was also a great actress when it came to being irritating, gave off slight Umbridge vibes somehow. Cinematography: That aerial shot at the beginning where Yalena was fighting through a dark corridor with a VO of work-life balance in a casual way: 🙌 Golden. The way the camera had to move through those walls in new direction, I’d love to see if that was stitched together. And the mirror stuff with Bob. Also the 180 rule with the initial fight scene of the Thunderbolts must have been a nightmare, or maybe just a free-for all at that point. Terrified to think about keeping the rule during any action scene with multiple people like that. Production Design: I’m sure there was some extensive work with the multiple rooms so kudos. And heck yeah for Utah locations. My friend grew up where they filmed it and was pointing out the places he knew. Also, for effects the shadow stuff was sick. Ominous but in a strong way. Somehow I could see it also being potentially cheesy, but they pulled it off. Sound: I really loved the soundtrack. Besides that, I honestly can’t remember as much as I should, that’s a lot of sound thought for me. Editing: …Sadly I need to write these reviews sooner to remember more.