Marvel’s new movie, “Thunderbolts*,” isn’t just some old run-of-the-mill superhero movie. The cast features Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, and Lewis Pullman as Sentry. After being backstabbed by the government that had hired them, this group either has to fall apart or work together. Set in a post-“Captain America: Brave New World” universe, “Thunderbolts*” possesses a darker undertone than anticipated for a Marvel film.

There are no intense fight scenes. Their dependence on each other and teamwork help them find a way to overcome the challenges they face. Ultimately, they have no choice but to be thrown onto the same team to take down another villain, Sentry. Sentry turns out to be superpowered, with a supervillain alter ego, the Void.

What’s great about “Thunderbolts*” is its casting. Pugh brings bold new energy when playing Yelena, and the ensemble cast blends well in a way that is comedic and emotional. Nothing feels forced between them because the characters act like actual human beings; they fight, don’t trust one another, fail missions, and get second chances. According to IMDb user MiroslavKyuranov: “It’s a bold dive into trauma, healing, and redemption. Proof that even the so-called defective losers and disposable delinquents can rise above their past and become the heroes no one expected.”

As flawed as this cast of heroes is, they find a way to rise to the occasion when needed. 

While I do not usually enjoy action movies, compared to other Marvel movies, “Thunderbolts*” was refreshing and new to me. If you are tired of watching the same plot of superhero movies, this is a good next watch.