Okay, I need to scream about this: Thunderbolts just dropped with a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and I’m freaking out! On April 30, 2025, I woke up, saw the news, and my Marvel-loving heart skipped a beat—it’s the second-highest-rated MCU film ever, right behind Black Panther’s 96%. I’ve been obsessed with the MCU since I saw Iron Man in 2008 with my dad—I was 12, and Tony Stark flying across the screen changed my life. After some recent MCU flops, this feels like a massive win, and I’m counting down to its May 2 release. Now at 88% with 89 reviews, Thunderbolts is Certified Fresh, and I’m dying to tell you why I’m so hyped!
These Misfits Are Stealing My Heart
Picture this: Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, and a crew of antiheroes—Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker—teaming up for a shady mission set up by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. The trailer already had me hooked with its gritty vibe, but critics are calling it a “thoughtful, emotional gut-punch” that feels like the MCU’s glory days. It dives deep into mental health and self-worth, which hits me hard—I’ve battled anxiety since college, and seeing heroes face those struggles feels so real. Yelena (Florence Pugh) questions her past, while Lewis Pullman’s The Sentry battles his demons, and I’m already tearing up thinking about it. This isn’t just action; it’s heart, and I’m here for it!
Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman Are Everything
Can we talk about Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman? I fell in love with Pugh in Midsommar—watched it with my bestie on Halloween, and we were shook by her rawness. She’s back as Yelena, and critics say she “steals the movie,” bringing sincerity to every scene. Lewis Pullman’s The Sentry is a “masterclass” in showing mental health struggles, and their dynamic is apparently electric—I’m already obsessed! The whole cast—Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Olga Kurylenko, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen—has “insane chemistry.” Bucky’s been my fave since The First Avenger (my brother and I used to fight over who’d win, him or Cap), and I can’t wait to see him lead this chaotic squad!
The MCU Is Back, Baby!
After some MCU stumbles—Eternals (47%) and Captain America: Brave New World (48%) left me bummed—this is the comeback I’ve been praying for. Critics are raving, calling Thunderbolts “one of the best MCU movies in years” with grounded stunts and no forced fan service. It’s the best since Spider-Man: No Way Home (93%), which I saw three times in theaters because I was obsessed! As the final chapter of Phase 5, it sets up Avengers: Doomsday, and with two post-credits scenes—one called a “doozy”—I’m having flashbacks to the Thanos reveal in The Avengers that had me screaming in the theater. This feels like the MCU I fell in love with, and I’m ready to cheer!
Why I’m So Invested
The MCU’s been my comfort through everything—high school, a rough breakup when I binged WandaVision, you name it. But lately, it’s felt like a chore, especially after Brave New World’s 48% score broke my heart—I wanted Sam Wilson’s Cap to shine! Thunderbolts’ score gives me hope, and I’m seeing it Friday with my brother, our MCU tradition. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps coming in Phase 6, Marvel might be back on top!
Let’s Freak Out Together!
Thunderbolts’ 95% debut (now 88%) has me losing my mind! It’s gritty, emotional, and packed with killer performances—I’m counting down to May 2. Are you as hyped as I am? Drop your thoughts—I need to geek out with you!
