Thunderbolts Movie Review: Hit Or Miss? Florence Pugh Steals The Show

3 min read Post on Apr 30, 2025

Thunderbolts Movie Review: Hit or Miss? Florence Pugh Steals the Show

The highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, Thunderbolts, finally hit theaters, and the internet is buzzing. But does this anti-hero team-up live up to the hype? While opinions vary, one thing's for certain: Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova is the undeniable highlight, delivering a captivating performance that elevates the entire film. This review dives deep into the action, the characters, and ultimately, whether Thunderbolts is a hit or a miss.

A Team of Misfits, A Mission of Uncertainties

The film follows a ragtag group of reformed villains and morally ambiguous characters, each with their own complex backstory and motivations. This includes the charismatic and lethal Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), the brooding Red Guardian (David Harbour), the unpredictable Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and the enigmatic Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko). The team dynamic is the core of the film, and while the chemistry between the actors is palpable, the plot itself occasionally falters.

Florence Pugh: The Undisputed Star

While the entire cast delivers solid performances, Florence Pugh's portrayal of Yelena Belova is simply outstanding. She commands the screen with her wit, her vulnerability, and her undeniable charisma. Pugh's Yelena is far from a stereotypical action hero; she's flawed, complex, and deeply human. Her performance transcends the typical Marvel action fare, bringing emotional depth and nuance to a character already beloved by audiences. This is arguably the performance that makes Thunderbolts worth watching.

Action Sequences: A Feast for the Eyes, But…

The action sequences in Thunderbolts are undeniably impressive, showcasing impressive visual effects and creative fight choreography. However, some viewers may find that the sheer volume of action detracts from the character development and plot progression. The film could have benefited from a more balanced approach, allowing for more breathing room to explore the complex relationships between the characters.

Plot Twists and Turns: Hit or Miss?

Thunderbolts attempts to weave a complex plot involving betrayals, unexpected alliances, and surprising twists. While some of these twists are effective, others feel somewhat predictable or forced. The pacing of the narrative also feels uneven at times, rushing through certain scenes while lingering too long on others.

Final Verdict: A Solid Entry, But Not a Masterpiece

Thunderbolts is a fun, action-packed ride, enhanced significantly by Florence Pugh's stellar performance. However, it doesn't quite reach the heights of other MCU installments. The uneven pacing and predictable plot points prevent it from achieving true greatness. While it's not a miss by any means, it's more of a solid, enjoyable entry in the MCU that benefits greatly from its strong cast and thrilling action sequences.

Here's a quick breakdown:

What worked: Florence Pugh's performance, action sequences, compelling character dynamics (at times).
What didn't work: Uneven pacing, predictable plot twists, occasional lack of focus on character development.

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Recommended for MCU fans and those seeking a visually impressive action film. But don't go in expecting a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece. Go see it for Florence Pugh – you won't be disappointed.