ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS

Female Film Critics 24/375

Marvel Cinematic Universe

Reviews 

THUNDERBOLTS* – Review by Cortland Jacoby

Cortland Jacoby , , , , , ,

Misfits. Assemble. After multiple movies and projects where they were supporting characters, Marvel has finally brought its most dysfunctional antiheroes together in Thunderbolts*. They’re here to kick butt and take names – or at least try to. As we’ve seen in Black Widow and Falcon and the Winter Soldier, corrupt Contessa and current CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) has approached numerous assassins and field agents to join what we thought was a league of antiheroes. Each of them, fed up with being a pawn, approaches her with the idea of one last gig.

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Reviews 

THUNDERBOLTS* – Review by T.J. Callahan

T. J. Callahan , , , , ,

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is celebrating its 17th anniversary with the arrival of Thunderbolts*. The 36th film in the MCU, these Thunderbolts have lightning, and they can be very, very frightening. They can also be magnifico…when they’re not squabbling or haunted by their past. They are an unconventional team of antiheroes who are lured to a death trap by crooked CIA chief Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). In order to save their lives and a world that relies on Avengers to keep the peace, these misfits must work through their dysfunctions to complete a dangerous mission that will test their abilities and their mettle.

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Reviews 

THUNDERBOLTS* – Review by Susan Kamyab

Susan Kamyab , , , , , ,

Since the overhaul of Marvel films that have been released since Endgame, it’s been difficult to get excited for any of the upcoming sequel or spinoffs. However, the 36th installment to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thunderbolts* offers something more original and more cathartic than the traditional superhero formula. Thunderbolts* succeeds in doing what Suicide Squad couldn’t, making moviegoers care about a group of powerful outsiders, and create an intriguing backstory that will leave you curious to know more.

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Reviews 

THUNDERBOLTS* – Review by Valerie Kalfrin

Valerie Kalfrin , , , , , ,

Thunderbolts*, the latest Marvel Studios adventure, at first looks to be yet-another story about a ragtag band forced to work together to save the world from a larger threat—until it passes the midpoint. There, the film twists into something disturbing, then thoughtful and nearly sublime. I didn’t expect a superhero film that played up the jokes in the trailers to become an earnest metaphor for positive mental health and dealing with trauma, but I’m all for it.

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Reviews 

THE MARVELS – Review by Susan Granger

Susan Granger , , , , , , ,

In 2019, when Brie Larson first assumed the title role in Captain Marvel, the sci-fi fantasy racked up a $153.4 million opening, yet – back in November – when its sequel The Marvels opened, it garnered only $46.1 million, making it the most disappointing opening in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s history. So what went wrong with this new female-powered action saga? It’s simply silly.

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Reviews 

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – VOL. 3 – Review by Susan Granger

Susan Granger , , , , , , , , ,

If you’ve been an avid follower of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and writer/director James Gunn’s fun-loving band of intergalactic outcasts, you may be intrigued by Rocket Raccoon’s origin story. In previous installments of the Guardians sci-fi action-comedy concept, there’s been good-natured, space-pirate humor but, here, they’re just babbling nonsense for a bloated two hours, 30 minutes. The best sequences are poignant flashbacks showing how young Rocket gains sentience and bonds with other genetically-altered species, like an otter, rabbit and walrus. The worst sequences involve gross ‘n’ gruesome, heavy-handed destruction. And it’s curious that James Gunn seems to be connecting with the currently controversial ‘trans’ experience.

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Reviews 

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 3 – Review by Susan Kamyab

Susan Kamyab , , , , , , , , ,

I know I have been saying that since Endgame and Spiderman: No Way Home, Marvel has cranked out some underwhelming sequels. So, that put a lot of pressure on the third installment of the beloved Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Well, I am so happy to say that Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 is a hit and a solid ending to a fantastic trilogy.

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Reviews 

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – Review by Valerie Kalfrin

Valerie Kalfrin , , , , , , , , ,

Nine years after entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the lovably flawed Guardians of the Galaxy say goodbye with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, an eclectic and affectionate mixtape that’s funny, thrilling, shattering, and bittersweet. The satisfying ending is a sendoff that lands just right, emphasizing how the unlikely heroes have been saving each other all along.

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Reviews 

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER – Review by Brandy McDonnell

Brandy McDonnell , , , , ,

A lavish space Viking feast of a movie, Thor: Love and Thunder is delightfully laden with Oscar-winning talent, scene-stealing screaming goats, kaleidoscopic color schemes, 1980s iconography, A-list cameos, the Guardians of the Galaxy, thunderous action sequences, witty one-liners, a diverse horde of mythological gods and a bombastic soundtrack featuring Guns N’ Roses, along with Dio, ABBA and Enya. Academy Award-winning writer/director Taika Waititi’s second cinematic serving in the apparently endless banquet of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a deliciously over-the-top treat that’s sometimes refreshingly bittersweet.

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Reviews 

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS – Review by Susan Granger

Susan Granger , , , ,

This addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the origin story of Shang-Chi , the slacker son of an immortal crime lord who has seemingly rejected his father’s empire. Instead, along with his best friend Katy, he’s a parking valet at aSan Francisco hotel, using the Americanized name of Shaun. Then – one evening, on his way home – he’s accosted by thugs who attempt to steal a pendant from around his neck. Big mistake!

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