Complex heroes and standout performances mark a strong return to form for the MCU in Jake Schreir’s Thunderbolts*. Yep, the film is packed with entertainment, largely thanks to its lineup of oddly endearing misfits. These aren’t your squeaky-clean Avengers, but they’re not full-blown villains like say the Suicide Squad either - instead, they land in a compelling “in-between” space. The team’s chemistry, while admittedly defined by constant bickering, is undeniably fun. And, in such, they are easy to root for - a key ingredient to any superhero flick. And while Sebastian Stan delivers several bad ass moments and David Harbour brings the lovable goofball energy, it’s Florence Pugh’s Yelena who emerges as the emotional core of the team - and the movie. Given ample screen time and a layered internal conflict, Pugh turns in a fantastic performance that grounds the film with heart and depth. Julia Louis-Dreyfus also shines, perfectly embodying Valentina Allegra de Fontaine with a sly and cutting edge which delightfully channels some of her Veep persona. Lewis Pullman is another standout as Bob/Sentry, bringing vulnerability to a character who reveals more complexity as the story unfolds. There’s a lot going on with Bob, let me tell ya. The film also tackles themes of mental health with surprising sincerity. And that’s saying something for a superhero movie. The emotional weight is handled with care, and yes, dare I say there are moments that might even bring a tear to your eye. But do not worry, you’ll be laughing too. The humor here is sharp, with clever banter and fun character call-backs peppered throughout. Now, is Thunderbolts *a game-changer? Not exactly. It follows a familiar formula, but executes it with style and confidence. There are some intriguing developments for the larger MCU by the end, though nothing that’ll set the internet fanboys in a frenzy. Still, for those who’ve felt underwhelmed by Marvel’s recent output, this film is a refreshing reminder of what the studio can do when it leans into character-driven storytelling and well-balanced tone. In short: the MCU waters are warm again — and Thunderbolts* is well worth the dive.