Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Trauma, violence in heartfelt MCU antihero adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Thunderbolts*
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say the movie presents a mix of intense violence and dark themes, making it unsuitable for younger viewers, yet it has been widely praised for its engaging story, compelling character development, and humor. Many reviewers appreciate its handling of serious topics like trauma and mental health, noting that it creates opportunities for important conversations among families, while some find the language and heavier tone a departure from traditional superhero films.
- violence and language
- trauma themes
- character development
- family conversations
- superhero humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 40 kid reviews
Kids say the movie combines intense action with important themes, particularly focusing on mental health issues such as depression and addiction, appealing to both Marvel fans and newcomers. While many find it an engaging and emotionally resonant addition to the MCU, concerns over its dark tones and violent content suggest it may not be suitable for younger audiences or those sensitive to such topics.
- action-packed
- mental health themes
- dark tones
- intense violence
- family viewing considerations
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THUNDERBOLTS*, Black Widow assassin Yelena (Florence Pugh) is working for Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who's facing impeachment from her role as the CIA director. Valentina and her assistant, Mel (Geraldine Viswanathan), are scrambling to get rid of any evidence of wrongdoing—specifically anything having to do with something called Project Sentry. As part of the cleanup, Valentina sends Yelena on a mission to prevent a thief from robbing a secret stronghold. There, Yelena encounters John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and someone named Bob (Lewis Pullman), who has no memory of why he's there or how he got there. They realize they've been set up, and quickly team up to try to escape. Later, they're joined by Red Guardian (David Harbour) and recently elected congressman Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan)—aka the Winter Soldier—who's trying to take Valentina down. But Valentina has a secret, evil plan up her sleeve.
Is It Any Good?
This clever, funny, heartfelt antihero story brings several second- and third-string Marvel characters together for their own slapdash adventure, while focusing on themes of trauma and empathy. Many superhero stories are really tales of underdogs and outcasts who finally get a chance to show their true colors; Thunderbolts* goes a step further by centering on characters who have real anguish and genuine loss. Yes, it has a similar general vibe to Guardians of the Galaxy or The Suicide Squad, but it's less about being irreverent (though it does have plenty of laughs) and more about learning that telling the truth is the best way to really engage.
Thirty-six movies in, the MCU has, refreshingly, begun to embrace smaller stories, focusing less on world-shaking disasters and more on personal struggles. (Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is a veteran of character-driven movies like Robot & Frank and Paper Towns.) Viewers may want to watch (or rewatch) the Marvel movies Black Widow and Ant-Man and the Wasp and the series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier to be fully up to speed with everything that's happening here, but it's not entirely necessary. Overall, Thunderbolts* (the asterisk will be explained) is just the right mix of fun, humor, action, and heartfelt connection, asserting that love and empathy are stronger than ill-gotten power.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Thunderbolts*' violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
How do the characters demonstrate teamwork? Are they the typical sort of team you'd expect to see in a superhero movie? Why, or why not?
How does the movie demonstrate the power and importance of empathy? How is empathy used to help characters address trauma and mental illness?
How does this movie fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole? Why are these characters considered outsiders or antiheroes?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 2, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : July 1, 2025
- Cast : Florence Pugh , Lewis Pullman , Sebastian Stan , David Harbour
- Director : Jake Schreier
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Latino Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 126 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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