Full of heart and humor, ‘Thunderbolts*’ makes character the focus – thanks to a superb cast -- but doesn’t skimp on the action or comic book fun.

But Thunderbolts* feels like an MCU throwback in the best way, one that allows its characters and own story to be the main focus rather than wider concerns. Like James Gunn did with Guardians 3, director Jake Schreier has been able to put his own stamp on it.

Every new Marvel project seems to promise a new start for the MCU, but Thunderbolts * might be the only movie in recent memory that makes good on its word. Director Jake Schreier, known for his work on the Steven Yeun-led Netflix series Beef, takes some big swings, and they almost always pay off.