On Tuesday 29th April, London Mums Magazine was invited to Leicester Square for an exclusive preview of Marvel’s much-anticipated release Thunderbolts, directed by the talented Jake Schreier. Expectations were high – and somehow, the film still managed to surpass them.
Thunderbolts carves out its own space in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by delivering a fresh tone: a sharp blend of action, irreverent humour, and emotional depth that feels both familiar and new. This isn’t a typical superhero save-the-world saga. Instead, it brings together a team of misfit anti-heroes – flawed, funny, and fiercely human – for a mission that’s as chaotic as it is compelling.
From the opening scenes, the film hooks you with its offbeat energy. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and the script sparkles with whip-smart one-liners that had the entire theatre erupting in laughter. Unlike some ensemble blockbusters where dialogue feels forced or formulaic, here each exchange feels earned – full of quirks, contradictions, and genuine warmth.
Florence Pugh once again proves she’s one of Marvel’s most magnetic talents, portraying Yelena with a perfect mix of deadpan delivery and emotional nuance. Her scenes with Sebastian Stan’s brooding Bucky Barnes steal the show, with their sarcastic banter providing some of the film’s biggest laughs and most memorable moments. Their dynamic is effortlessly funny, yet surprisingly heartfelt – a balance the film strikes again and again.
The action, of course, delivers in true Marvel style: dynamic, adrenaline-fuelled, and slickly choreographed. Yet what stood out most was the film’s commitment to character development. Even in the midst of explosive stunts and high-stakes combat, there’s space for vulnerability. Each character is grappling with personal baggage — regret, trauma, self-doubt — and these emotional beats are handled with care. Director Jake Schreier deserves credit for weaving humour and heart into every frame without losing narrative momentum.
Visually, Thunderbolts is a treat. The cinematography is vibrant and confident, showcasing Marvel’s signature polish while also taking a few stylistic risks that pay off. From moody cityscapes to chaotic battlegrounds, every set-piece is both thrilling and visually arresting.
But what lingers after the credits is not just the spectacle – it’s the humanity. There’s an emotional thread running through the film that feels unusually sincere. In a genre often accused of being over-reliant on CGI and formula, Thunderbolts stands out for its willingness to slow down and show characters as vulnerable, even broken, but still capable of connection and redemption.
It’s not a perfect film – some pacing issues and uneven subplot resolutions mean it’s not Marvel’s most polished outing. But it is one of its most engaging. It dares to be messy, funny, sad, and ridiculous – often all at once – and that’s exactly what makes it work.
Final Verdict
Thunderbolts is a punchy, high-energy ride that proves Marvel still has surprises up its sleeve. With a standout cast, plenty of laughs, and unexpected emotional heft, it’s a film that will resonate with fans and newcomers alike. A welcome reminder that even in a world of superheroes, it’s our flaws – not our powers – that make us interesting.
London Mums’ rating: 7/10 – a refreshingly human take on heroism with bite, heart, and brilliant banter.
The trailer
