A ragtag team of sour and jaded misfits assembles in a movie at the smarter end of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

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.