I've asked myself a couple of times, I didn't get to answer why. One, I wasn't quite familiar with the superhero group even if I was a big fan of films from the outfit. But when I heard that THUNDERBOLTS was in SM Cinemas this month, I saw Filipinos lined up like clockwork. This is a film by Marvel Studios, spread by Disney in theaters, and I got more than what I bargained for.
1. Thunderbolts had really good actors. Even though I didn't know most of them, one thing they didn't lack is the ability to convey emotion, Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, David Harbor, Wyatt Russel and Sebastian Stan all made it easy to digest because characters were believable, funny at times, and easy to relate to. It's like you know them even though you really don't know them.
2. Florence Pugh as Black Widow is different, but I like her take despite of us being a more Scarlett Johansson fan. While new, she took this on like a pro so you'll see her as a bored working assassin from Russia. Trained and gifted as a kid, she becomes her own persona. She doesn't become a hero overnight and this is her movie (even though they're a group).
3. Bucky is back, Sebastian Stan gains a suit and played politics as a day job. By no means that would hamper him from becoming the Winter Soldier that he is. He is still explosive as ever. That iconic arm of him gets clowned by fellow heroes, and this isn't an exception. You'll be reassured though that he's got it all together. He's more matured, and I love it.
4. Lewis Pullman plays Bob. Just Bob. You need to see how he changes. He's extra. But he's just Bob.
5. Director Jake Schreier had a brilliant vision. Executed it well, and doesn't need a forensic scientist that these things are connected. There will be various times you'll see Easter eggs in the middle and end credits scene like what normal Marvel movies do.
6. David Harbor is an absolutely adorable human being. His character might be funny most of the time, but that's where he's going to just chuck you with his ability to pull heartstrings. Then attempt to make you cry, he's going to do a remarkable job in doing it.
7. Wyatt Russel's version of the US Agent is a tiring and frustrating one. He reminds me of a Taco. Watch out for his story.
8. Hannah John Kamen as Ghost wasn't given much of an interesting scene although this counts as her origin of some sort. Maybe she'll be in future MCU scenes where we'll get to see even more of her abilities. Maybe she was too hard to edit in.
9. It ain't a filler, I think it's a necessary prelude to something big.
10. It was able to pull its own weight. It might have mentioned bigger ones but it's a story worthy to be known now. Definitely deserves to be seen in SM Cinemas, because it feels different. It wouldn't really make justice if it's just seen in a computer/phone screen if you want to stream.
NASHIE BOY BONUS
It's also a great movie to watch with friends who equally love the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I met Nash Aguas, his wife Mika Dela Cruz, Nashies Admin Philip, my neighbor Rai and actor Andre Garcia (whom I also haven't seen in a while). Man, I couldn't hug them but I miss them a lot. Nash is different, but still the same humble guy I've met back in the day. So proud of him and his achievements. It was also my first time to see Mika in person, super cute couple. Ugh, this moment made the movie even more special!
