Thunderbolts* (what to expect)

Scorecard, Smashing Machine, ICYMI Pod

May 02, 2025

Last week’s scorecard, Sinners, is making so much noise in the movie theater world that it’s already re-releasing in IMAX 70mm in May, and whispers say it will again in the fall. But you don’t have to wait until then to see it in theaters; it will be available in other theater formats for a while.

That being said, we have another IMAX experience for you this week! Keep scrolling and check out what we have for you this week.

Concession Stand Scorecard: Thunderbolts*
Watchlist Worthy: Introducing Dwayne Douglas Johnson
IYCMI: Josh and Eric get together for Sinners Spoilers

We go to the movies every week to let you know if the latest films are worth the price of admission and what you can expect. Always spoiler free.

This week’s movie - Thunderbolts*

Letterboxd Description:

Everyone deserves a second shot.
After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, seven disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.

Best Watched With

someone who needs a good laugh and a hug.

End credit thoughts

If your expectations for Thunderbolts* are high because of the star-studded cast, you love the MCU, and the team of filmmakers off the screen have made bangers after bangers… well then you’re expectations are probably right where they need to be.

We did not expect this movie to rule as much as it does, and we definitely did not expect the Thunderbolts* to be a complete full movie (held in thought, made us laugh, and moved our emotions to tears— shout out Jimmy V).

Going into this movie, familiarity with the MCU is helpful, but we believe the story is strong enough that if you aren’t caught up, you will still have a good time with a splash of what is happening and who is that?

We’re always surprised at how creative action sequences can be. At some point, you’d think they would run out of ways to show people kicking ass, superheroes punching and shooting their way through missions, but this movie proves there is still plenty of gas in the tank. Whether it be the camera work or the stunt team, the action sequences feel fresh and full of creativity.

Sure, it may be due to the amount of humor laced throughout working as smoke and mirrors in this dark, feel-good story that distracts us from nitpicking this Marvel installation, but who cares! It works, and the cast brings the juice.

All around, each member of this ensemble is excellent with their line delivery, comedic timing, and ability to contrast their misfit energy with bona fide badassery. There really isn’t a weak link. Everyone holds their own and makes you forget they aren’t these characters but professional actors.

The shock factor here is the commentary on mental health. We did not have the MCU taking on depression and existential dread on our 2025 bingo card, but here we are. The action and comedy are strong, so the emotional rollercoaster that takes this ride into a therapy session sneaks up on you. One moment it’s about saving the world, and the next it’s about saving ourselves. The things we hide from the world that we’re tempted to push down, locked up deep within, turn out to be the stuff that connects us.

Grab a friend or five and see this one on the big screen. IMAX tickets are cheaper than a copay.

Stay for the two end credit scenes. One comes on pretty quickly, but it’s the scene after every credit rolls down that you’ll want to stay for.

In case you want to see the A24 version of the trailer.

Follow us on Letterboxd for our individual movie ratings:
@justjoshperez
@ericharrison
@kellyharrison
@newmexicodrew

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A movie one of us added to our Letterboxd watchlist this week.

The Smashing Machine by Benny Safdie

WE GOT A TRAILER!! The Smashing Machine has been on my radar for a while, but all we’ve had so far is the photo above, which gives us a glimpse of what the movie will look like. For those who think Dwayne The Rock Johnson does the same role in every movie and is a mid-actor and forgets about the legendary “Aim for the bushes” scene *cough* ERIC MATTHEW HARRISON *cough*, prepare to be surprised.

Johnson has fully transformed in looks and speech. He’s pulling a page out of Dave Bautista’s From the Ring to the Stage playbook, showcasing his thespian chops. Benny Safdie is one half of the Safdie Brothers, who gave us Uncut Gems and Good Time, two movies I thoroughly enjoyed despite feeling like I was being waterboarded with anxiety. Emily Blunt is Johnson’s counterpart, and she’s always a bruiser on the screen.

I think we’re teed up to have a hell of a time with this one.

Added to my watchlist.

-jp :)

Letterboxd Description:

The unforgettable true story of a UFC legend.
MMA fighter Mark Kerr struggles with addiction, winning and love during his peak era in the UFC.

Also Directed by Benny Safdie :
Uncut Gems (2019)
Good Time (2017)
Heaven Knows What (2014)

SINNERS: A Spoilers Conversation #54

🎧 Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

Eric and Josh SPOIL the movie ‘Sinners’ in this episode so if you don’t want it to be spoiled, do not listen yet. Come back later.

They discuss their thoughts and impressions on the film 'Sinners,' starring Michael B. Jordan and directed by Ryan Coogler. Eric and Josh explore various aspects of the movie, including its character development, plot intricacies, and standout performances.