REVIEW: Thunderbolts Is Top-Tier Marvel! Exclusive Chicago Screening Invite. Summer Movie Preview. Reader Picks.
Welcome new subscribers! And, welcome back, if you joined the wave early. I'm so appreciative of your support. Let's start with a superhero team-up that brings the old MCU feeling back...
THUNDERBOLTS* REVIEW: Unique, Emotional, and Marvel’s Best Film In Years.
Among my friends and industry peers, I tend to have one of the more positive (and, I would argue, rational) outlooks on the state of Marvel’s cinematic universe: it’s fine. Sure, there have been duds that have stifled audience and fan trust (i.e., “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”). There have also been MCU entries that are unfairly panned (i.e., “Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness,” in my personal MCU Top Ten).
Yet there’s no denying the 53-project-packed franchise “vibe” has been dour in the 2020’s, with more characters introduced than general audiences can keep up with, behind the scenes shake-ups, critical bombs and divisive castings. The studio’s margin for error has shrunk. Marvel needs a win. Their latest caper, “Thunderbolts*,” is an absolute triumph.
The film bolts you into the action from the jump, while firmly establishing the story’s emotional center: Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). The Russian assassin is battling depression, still mourning the death of her sister, Natasha Romanov, while also grappling with the kills she’s racked up, and pondering her true purpose in life. She’s thrust into leading a ragtag group of antiheroes out of a death trap set by CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis- Dreyfus), leading them into a battle that forces all the characters to grapple with their dark pasts.
It’s an impressive feature from director Jake Schreier, best known for his work on the Emmy-winning Netflix series, “BEEF.” His ability to balance character dynamics is evident throughout, giving you a reason to care about the Thunderbolts roster of C-list characters. Didn’t see “Falcon and Winter Soldier” or “Black Widow?” That’s fine. “Thunderbolts*” doesn’t leave you behind. The story is strong enough on it’s own merits to not be bogged down by interconnectivity.
Simply put, this is the best Marvel movie in years. It recaptures that genuine feeling of MCU magic from earlier phases with creative action set pieces, larger than life characters, a strong script and grounded storytelling. It features one of the more thought-provoking antagonists the franchise has ever seen. The emotional depth of this film - and what it has to say about mental health and the value of community - elevate it to the top of the MCU. And for those who have clamored for these Phase 4 and 5 projects to connect better will finally get their wish, via the longest post-credits scene in franchise history. I left my screening pumped for the future of the franchise and eager to talk about the movie and its future implications with others, like I did with “Iron Man,” “Infinity War,” “Civil War,” and many others. It feels so good to have that feeling back again.
Next up for Marvel? “Fantastic Four: First Steps” on July 25, and “Avengers: Doomsday” May 1, 2026.
Summer Movie Preview: Jurassic World, Mission Impossible, Superman and More.
The best way to stay cool in the heat is a movie theater. This summer has plenty of highly anticipated blockbusters. Here’s what I’m keeping an eye on.
May 16: “Final Destination: Bloodlines” vs The Weeknd’s “Hurry Up Tomorrow.”
I grew up on the “Final Destination” franchise, a time capsule of 2000’s era popcorn horror flicks. The series has been dormant since 2011. 14 years later, can “Bloodlines” draw nostalgic millennials? It’s “Candyman” legend Tony Todd’s last role, adding some intrigue. It drops the same day as pop star The Weeknd’s debut film, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” named after what he called his final album. Will fans be able to wash the bad taste out of their mouths from his laughably bad HBO series, “The Idol?” I sure haven’t yet.
May 23: “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” vs “Lilo & Stitch”
Tom Cruise doing more death-defying stunts. The movie sells itself! The eighth “Mission Impossible” is being billed as the last for agent Ethan Hunt, where he races an old foe to track down a dangerous AI program called The Entity. It couldn’t be more different than Disney’s live-action re-imagining of “Lilo & Stitch.” Seeing this get remade makes me feel old! I’m not enthused about remakes, but it’s great for families. It will make a haul, and the Mouse House will make more. Wash, rinse, repeat. Two different audiences here, so I don’t expect these films to eat into each other’s box office too much. They are tracking for a combined $200M opening weekend, which would be the biggest Memorial Day Weekend for theaters ever!
May 30: “Karate Kid: Legends”
“Karate Kid: Legends,” is a unicorn in Hollywood: a legacy sequel and reboot combo. Sony made the strange decision to separate itself completely from the highly successful Karate Kid Netflix series, “Cobra Kai.” Yes, original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) is back. But this time he’s teaming with Kung Fu master Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) of the 2010 remake to train newcomer Li Fong (Ben Wang). The trailer looks great, but the lack of continuity could confuse folks.
June 6: “John Wick: Ballerina”
Ana de Armas headlines the spin-off, taking place between “John Wick 3” and 4. It follows a ballerina training in the Russian assassin program, seen in many of the movies, seeking revenge on her father’s murderer. I love these highly stylized and creatively choreographed films, and Keanu Reeves will return, so it’s high on my list. (Watch my interview with Reeves for more Wick talk).
June 27: “F1”
I’m not a fan of the sport of racing, but I do love cinematic sports dramas. Brad Pitt jumps in the driver’s seat for this one, under the direction of Joseph Kosinski (“Tron: Legacy,” “Top Gun: Maverick”). Pitt plays a driver whose career ended with a crash, now mentoring a rising star in the sport, played by “Snowfall’s” Damson Idris. I’ll be seated.
July 2: “Jurassic World: Rebirth”
Yeah, another Jurassic Park movie. People love dinosaurs, even if the last few “Jurassic World” entries have been more mid-tier than anything. Perhaps director Gareth Edwards can change that. His tension-building works like “Godzilla,” and “Rogue One,” plus a script penned by David Koepp, writer of the 1993 film, gives me a glimmer of hope that “Rebirth” can recapture the wonder and fear that Spielberg inspired in the original.
July 11: “Superman”
Director James Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) has been hyping this project since he took the helm of Warner Brother’s DC Studios division, tasked with replicating the Marvel Cinematic Universe model for DC’s stable of heroes. David Corenswet (“Twisters”) dons the iconic “S” on the chest, but we’ve yet to really get footage of him acting in the role. There’s been speculation that the studio is currently reworking the film, raising concerns about tone. If true, that’s rarely a good sign. But the brand of Superman is strong enough to pack a punch at the box office regardless.
What are you most looking forward to? Let me know, and I may share in the next edition.
Exclusive Chicago Screening Opportunity From “Creative Cypher”
Qasim Basir’s Sundance Film Festival feature “To Live and Die and Live” follows a Hollywood filmmaker who returns to his home city to bury his stepfather, and struggles with addiction and loss along the way. It’s lauded as an ode to Detroit and received universal praise upon it’s festival premiere. It stars Amin Joseph (“Snowfall”) Omari Hardwick (“Power”) and Cory Hardrict (“Divorce In Black”) . RSVP HERE.
“Carême” - “Cooking is very similar to seducing.” That’s a standout line from this carnal French historical drama, telling the story of chef Antonin Carême (Benjamin Voisin). He rose to power in the 1830’s Napoleon era, and is credited with many of today’s modern food concepts. He also, apparently, slept with a lot of people! It makes for a sizzling and indulgent drama (in French, with subtitles or dubbed). If you’re a fan of “The Bear,” give this a try. (APPLE TV)
“Andor” - Authoritarian regimes, mass deportations, government corruption. Sound familiar? Star Wars has always been a critique on government power and those who push against it, and Tony Gilroy’s “Andor” is no exception. It’s a slow burn espionage-thriller that requires practically little franchise knowledge to jump into. We’ll take a deeper dive in the next edition of SCREENING ROOM. (DISNEY+)
And some suggestions on what to watch from our readers. A LOT of love for “The Pitt”:
Shawn Grant, from The Source, praises the MAX streaming series for “it’s intersection of modern themes like mental health and school shootings.”
Dallas Journalist Jamal Andress: “It’s very fast paced, which really pulls you in. it shows very likable and capable characters.”
Keith Reid-Cleveland, of Yahoo Finance, suggests ABC’s “High Potential”: “It’s a great next installment in the subgenre of ‘police hire a quirky consultant’ shows that has something for everyone. Fun mysteries, a slow burn romance, and a supporting cast you grow to love.”
Atlanta’s Erin Alexandria suggests FX’s “POSE”: “It’s a great watch coming up on Pride Month. It shows the intricacies of ballroom culture and how a chosen family can be as supportive as a biological one.”
What are you watching? Drop me a line and you could make the next newsletter!
“Sinners” Continues To Soar - Ryan Coogler’s brilliant horror film continues to be the biggest film of 2025, only dropping 4.9% in its second weekend. It’s now the highest grossing R-rated April release ever. Read my review in the last edition of the newsletter , or on REEL Chicago.
More IMAX “Sinners” Showings To Come - In response to collective outcry over “Sinners” leaving IMAX screens for “Thunderbolts*”, Warner Bros. has announced they will re-release the film in nine IMAX 70mm theaters from May 15-May 21. That’s LA, NY, San Fran, Phoenix, Dallas, Toronto, Ft Lauderdale, and Indy. Sorry, Chicago.
New “Miami Vice” Movie Greenlit - The 2006 action-crime film, based on the hit 80’s series, starred Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrel. Joseph Kosinski is set to direct with Dan Gilroy writing the script. (The Hollywood Reporter)
“SHOGUN” Season 2 Eyes January 2026 Production Start - Variety reports Hiroyuki Sanada and Cosmo Jarvis will reprise their roles. It’s set 10 years after the events of the Emmy-award-winning first season.
“Andor” Season 2’s High Viewership - “1.2 million U.S. households watched the first episode of season two in the first six days following the April 22 debut,” our friends at Media Play News report from SAMBA TV metrics. That’s on par with Season 1, but slightly below “The Mandalorian.” Season 2’s premiere episodes made a rare broadcast TV debut on ABC, a sign of Disney’s confidence in the Star Wars espionage prequel series. New episodes drop Tuesdays at 9 E.T on Disney+.
Jeremy Renner Turns Down “Hawkeye” Season 2 - The “Avengers” actor, who survived a traumatic snowplow accident, says he said no to Marvel Studios after he was offered “half” the salary he made for Season 1. "I'm like, 'I'm sorry?... Why? Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over?" (Variety)
And, Finally, The Gift Card Winner Is….
Tracie Slade! Congratulations. You’ll be receiving an email from me soon. More giveaways to come!
Thanks for reading. Follow @bpopetv to keep the conversation going, or send me a message. It may appear in the next newsletter!
Final Destination is here to traumatize a whole new generation and I mean…
Anything Franklin Saint and Unc up to I’m in!
I have a little whiplash from the back to back movie action coming up but I’m a Jurassic Park Ballerina Karate Kid so… my 90’s kid heart is doing backward flips with this info!
And… I’m here for Marvel universe revival. I’ll probably catch Thunderbolts at a matinee soon.
Nicely written, nicely framed. Your review is compelling and thoughtful. Admittedly, I'm one of those storytellers/filmmakers who finds the Marvel Universe less than appealing. Thanks for giving it and me another perspective to consider.