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Thunderbolts Sets New Benchmark for MCU

Initial feedback on social media platforms was remarkably enthusiastic. With over a hundred reviews collected from critics, Thunderbolts has emerged as the best-reviewed entry in the MCU over the last five years.

In the fluctuating landscape following Avengers: Endgame, the film has garnered a commendable 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This rating establishes it as the top-reviewed MCU installment since Spider-Man: No Way Home, which holds a remarkable 93% rating, marking it as one of the highest-rated films in the franchise overall.

To provide further context, here are the scores of each MCU film released since the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame:

Thunderbolts – 88%
Captain America: Brave New World – 51%
The Marvels – 62%
Deadpool & Wolverine – 78%
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – 82%
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – 46%
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – 84%
Thor: Love and Thunder – 64%
Spider-Man: No Way Home – 93%
Eternals – 47%
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – 92%
Black Widow – 79%
Spider-Man: Far From Home – 90%

This time period is notable for being the only era to feature three “rotten” MCU titles—Eternals, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and the recent Captain America: Brave New World. The latter’s poor performance is concerning, particularly as it introduces a new Captain America expected to take on a central role in future Avenger ensembles, a more significant development than seen in either Eternals or Quantumania.

Critics have become more discerning regarding MCU offerings in the post-Endgame phase. It stands to reason that if films such as Captain Marvel were released today, they might receive a lower score than the 79% it achieved originally. Meanwhile, The Marvels, which many deem superior, has only garnered a 62% rating. However, this period is also characterized by a series of less impactful films.

In contrast, Thunderbolts seems poised to succeed by virtue of its quality. While box office performance remains uncertain, factors like engaging trailers, beloved characters such as Bucky and Yelena, and exceptionally favorable reviews create a promising outlook. The film distinguishes itself from the typical CGI-heavy experience associated with the MCU, as highlighted by promotional material featuring Florence Pugh base jumping from a skyscraper.

Scheduled for release on May 2, audiences will soon discover its commercial viability. Early viewers have also hinted at what they claim to be the “best post-credits scene in Marvel history.” To keep these details under wraps, I’ve muted all related terms online; you might consider doing the same.

Source
www.forbes.com