ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS

Female Film Critics 24/375

mcu

Reviews 

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS – Review by Valerie Kalfrin

Valerie Kalfrin , , , , , , ,

The film’s true superpower is its grounded, heartfelt tone. Director Matt Shakman leans into the source material’s wackier elements with an unironic touch that makes the performers and emotions shine. The four look out for each other as a family—and consider the world as their family too. At a time when real headlines can be depressing, The Fantastic Four: First Steps celebrates thoughtfulness and empathy with a can-do attitude and sense of community that never goes out of style.

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Reviews 

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS – Review by T. J. Callahan

T. J. Callahan , , , , , , ,

When someone with superpowers says they’ll move the Earth for you, take them seriously.
In The Fantastic Four: First Steps that’s exactly what Reed Richards is trying to do…move the Earth to save the planet and its people…from the gargantuanly gluttonous Galactus…a being who needs to feed on other worlds with an appetite that is never satisfied.

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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 

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD – Review by T. J. Callahan

T. J. Callahan , , , , ,

We’re two months into 2025 and we have our first superhero movie, and it’s a Marvel, but not necessarily marvelous. Anthony Mackie is now Captain America after Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers decided to live a civilian life upon completing his final mission in Avengers: Endgame. Mackie wears the suit well despite not taking the super soldier serum to enhance his strength. Director Julius Onah also takes a different approach. The Marvel look we’ve come to know is less comic book graphics, more Mission Impossible sleek and stylish.

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Reviews 

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE – Review by Susan Kamyab

Susan Kamyab , , , , , ,

The idea of Deadpool and Wolverine starring in a film together has been teased for years, and now that dream is coming to fruition with the action-packed and hilarious new Marvel movie. While the plot won’t really stick with you, the fight sequences paired with one of the best soundtracks will, proving Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” has powerful effect when it is played in any circumstance. Deadpool & Wolverine is non-stop laughs, surprises, and fun. The dynamic duo we have been waiting for delivers with energetic, witty, and unforgettable performances that leave you wanting more.

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