Marvel's Thunderbolts Is a Beautiful Mess—And We Loved Every Minute
Black America Web Featured Video
CLOSE Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty
Getting the chance to attend an early screening of Thunderbolts was an incredible experience. From the opening scenes, one performance that stood out was Gabrielle Byndloss. As a stunning African American actress, she brings grace, strength, and emotional depth to every moment she's on screen. Her presence adds a grounded authenticity to the film, and it's great to see Marvel giving more space to powerful, nuanced women of color in this universe.
Thunderbolts marks a bold step for Marvel as it dives into a more morally grey, grounded world. Instead of a traditional superhero story, we get a messy, chaotic team of anti-heroes and misfits tasked with missions that aren't about saving the world—they're about surviving it. The setup is exciting and hints at bigger, more complicated stories down the road.
The film definitely isn't perfect. It still suffers from some of Marvel's old habits, especially throwing in humor at moments when the story would be better served with some breathing room. Emotional scenes sometimes get interrupted by jokes that feel a little out of place. But honestly? It doesn't take too much away from how entertaining the ride is.
David Harbour absolutely steals the show as Red Guardian, mixing comedy and tragedy in a way only he can. Florence Pugh once again proves she's one of the MCU's brightest stars, bringing heart, humor, and toughness to Yelena. Their chemistry is one of the biggest highlights of the movie, providing both emotional depth and laugh-out-loud moments.
Ghost, unfortunately, doesn't get as much to do as she deserves. She's a fascinating character with tons of potential, but here she feels a little sidelined. It's disappointing because her powers and backstory are so rich—hopefully Marvel gives her the spotlight she deserves in future projects.
STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!
The action is tighter and more hand-to-hand focused than usual MCU fare, fitting the grittier tone really well. While the middle act does drag a bit, the third act brings some great payoffs, both emotionally and action-wise.
At the end of the day, Thunderbolts is messy, dark, and rough around the edges—but that's exactly what makes it such a refreshing entry into the MCU. It's not trying to be another perfect superhero movie. It's about broken people trying to find their way, and that rawness is exactly its charm. With strong performances, solid action, and an exciting setup for what's next, Thunderbolts easily stands out as one of the more interesting Marvel projects in a while.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Thunderbolts hits theaters May 2, 2025. If you're looking for something a little different from the usual Marvel formula—but still packed with heart, action, and standout performances—go see it. You won't regret it.
Anthony Head is a freelance writer and you can hear Jazmyn every morning on 'Jazmyn in the Morning 'on Sirius XM Channel 362 Grown Folk Jamz and Grownfolkjamz.com. Subscribe to Jazmyn Summers' YouTube. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE .
STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!
HEAD TO THE BLACKAMERICAWEB.COM HOMEPAGE
SEE ALSO
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Black America Web
an hour ago
- Black America Web
‘RHOA' Reunion Drama: Kenya Moore ‘Not Invited,' Brit Eady Not In Attendance + The Seating Chart
Source: Prince Williams / Getty The current season of Real Housewives of Atlanta is coming to an end, which means that the reunion is just around the corner, but when the season wrap-up airs on Bravo, two faces from the cast will be noticeably absent. Both Brit Eady and Kenya Moore (amidst their bitter feud) did not attend the recent taping. Per People , the reunion recently filmed on Thursday, June 5, in Atlanta, and while Moore not being present is that shocking, Eady's absence definitely is, as she was a main focal point of the season. According to the outlet, Eady's decision not to attend was her own, but Moore was reportedly not invited by Bravo. Confirming the reports, the network released the RHOA reunion seating chart and neither of the ladies were present. 'RHOA' Reunion Taping Following the reports of their absence, both Eady and Moore spoke out on social media. 'As everyone is now aware, I'm not attending the reunion,' Eady wrote on Instagram Stories. 'This was my decision. The events of this season have devastated me, and while I cannot say much right now, I do want to set the record straight about one thing: the graphic sexual photo surrounding the events in Episode 5. That photo was not me.' 'Based on what I was told, assumed that it was somehow a photo of me — which is why I reacted in the way that I did,' she continued. 'I do not know who was in that photo, but upon seeing it for the first time recently, I now know it was not me,' she said. 'I look forward to seeking accountability and moving past this dark part of my life.' Meanwhile Moore took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to respond to her absence. 'I'm disappointed to not be a part of the RHOA 16 reunion taping today,' Moore wrote. 'Please know that I take full accountability for my actions and deeply apologize to all those affected including Brittney, the cast, crew, guests and viewers. I look forward to seeing you all back on Bravo soon.' Source: Prince Williams / Getty Long before the 16th season of the series began airing in March, the tea about what happened during filming was spilled when it was revealed that Moore had been fired just a few weeks into filming for sharing explicit photos of new cast member Eady at Moore's hair spa opening. Once the season began airing, and fans finally got to see the explicit photo saga play out on TV, both Eady and Moore went back and forth online and in interviews — heating up the drama between them repeatedly. As of now, there is no official release date for the RHOA season 16 reunion, but it is expected to air sometime in the coming weeks. SEE ALSO 'RHOA' Reunion Drama: Kenya Moore 'Not Invited,' Brit Eady Not In Attendance + The Seating Chart was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
an hour ago
- Black America Web
Jane Birkin's Original Bag Is Hitting the Auction Block
Source: Tristan Fewings / Getty The bag that started it all is hittin' the auction block, and it's not just any purse, it's the original Hermès Birkin. The one carried by the late style icon and singer Jane Birkin herself is going up for grabs at Sotheby's this summer. Before it became the ultimate flex in fashion, the bag Beyoncé rapped about and celebs go on waitlists for, it was just a custom carry-all designed for Jane on a flight in the '80s. She casually told the head of Hermès she needed a bag big enough for her day-to-day grind, and boom, the Birkin was born. Now, that one-of-a-kind original, not a remake, not resale, is hitting the auction in Paris from June 26 to July 10. But if you're in NYC, you can see it on display at Sotheby's from June 6 through 12. RELATED: Cardi B's Birkin Collection Has Us A Tad Bit Envious Jane Birkin, who passed in 2023, was more than just a muse. She was a singer, actress, and activist who used her platform to speak out for causes like AIDS awareness and democracy in Myanmar. She had that classic cool-girl energy — and clearly, influence that still echoes today. Sotheby's hasn't dropped the price tag yet, but with resale Birkins going for up to $220K, and Princess Diana's sweater selling for over $1 mil last year, you already know this bag is gonna pull big numbers. And if you've ever wondered why Birkins cost so much? Hermès says it's not about hype, it's about craftsmanship. But let's be real, exclusivity, quality, and culture all play a part. 'Whatever we have, we put on the shelf, and it goes,' said Hermès' creative director. Period. SEE ALSO Jane Birkin's Original Bag Is Hitting the Auction Block was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
an hour ago
- Black America Web
Brit Eady Blasts Bravo With $20M Lawsuit Over 'Fake Sex Act' Poster
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Brit Eady has filed a $20 million lawsuit against Bravo, claiming the network aired and promoted a false and damaging image that appeared to show her performing a sexual act. In court documents obtained by TMZ, Eady alleges that promotional posters handed out by Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore during her salon opening in June 2024 falsely depicted Eady engaging in oral sex. Although Eady did not attend the event, she says she was blindsided by the image once it surfaced publicly, a moment that sparked immediate outrage and controversy. Following the incident, Moore was reportedly removed from the cast. RELATED: The Shade Assassin: Kenya Moore's Best 'RHOA' Moments Eady's lawsuit names Bravo, NBCUniversal, and the production companies Truly Original and Endemol Shine North America. She accuses them of defamation, sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and fostering a hostile work environment. According to the suit, Bravo knowingly contributed to what Eady calls a 'gendered attack' and continued to air footage and cast commentary about the situation in an episode that aired in April 2025. The lawsuit also asserts that Bravo forced Eady to return to work despite the emotional toll the incident took on her. She claims she was subjected to offensive, sexualized behavior and remarks, making it difficult to continue working in that environment. Eady is now demanding the episode be removed from all platforms and is seeking at least $20 million in damages. She also publicly addressed the controversy on social media, denying she was the woman in the photo and confirming that she skipped the season's reunion taping. SEE ALSO Brit Eady Blasts Bravo With $20M Lawsuit Over 'Fake Sex Act' Poster was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
