Marvel and Disney's newest release Thunderbolts has proved a hit at the box office, after taking an estimated $162m (£122m) internationally. The film, which both production houses hope will kickstart a new franchise, is based around lesser-known superheroes who have to take on human and superhuman threats whilst fighting their own personal battles. It stars Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan in two of the main roles, alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus and David Harbour. Whilst not all critic reviews have been favourable, the movie has been a hit with superhero fans - drawing in an impressive 95 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It means the film receives the third highest audience score for a Marvel title, tying with Spider-Man: Far From Home and behind Shangi-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Not all critics have not treated the film as favourably, withEmpire's John Nugentnoting that the film is "missing a bit of colour - literally, in the washed-out palette and CG shadow-threat that dominates the latter half of the film — and figuratively, in its subject matter". He adds that the topics covered, including suicide, depression and domestic violence are "not always sensitively handled". Radheyan Simonpillai at The Guardiangives the film three stars, citing that although the film is "the best thing to come from the brand [Marvel] since WandaVision", "Thunderbolts often irritates because the depression and trauma the movie supposedly grapples with so often lives on the surface". Simonpillai is full of praise for Pugh though, "who can wrestle sincerity out of a screenplay (and a franchise) that has so little". However,Clarisse Loughrey from The Independentlooks on the film a little more favourably, giving it four stars and calling it "the best Marvel movie in years". "Thunderbolts does feel different to what's come before. "It's the first of its kind to seem genuinely self-aware - Thunderbolts might actually then be the ultimate Marvel film for now," she adds. Audience fatigue when it comes to Marvel films is a genuine concern for the studio, which has been trying to pivot away from the characters from the main Marvel Cinematic Universe since the release of Avengers: Endgame in 2019. It is perhaps whyDeadpool & Wolverine was a big hitfor Marvel last summer, as it featured characters that have been less front and centre for them, with Thunderbolts potentially following a similar path.
Marvel's Thunderbolts* proves a hit at box office
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Marvel's Thunderbolts Achieves Box Office Success Amid Mixed Reviews"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Marvel and Disney's latest film, Thunderbolts, has made a significant impact at the box office, grossing an estimated $162 million (£122 million) internationally. This film, which aims to launch a new franchise, focuses on a group of lesser-known superheroes who face various human and superhuman threats while grappling with their own personal issues. The cast features notable actors such as Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, along with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and David Harbour. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film has resonated well with audiences, achieving an impressive 95 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This score places it third among Marvel titles, tying with Spider-Man: Far From Home and trailing only behind Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Critics have offered a range of perspectives on Thunderbolts. For instance, Empire's John Nugent pointed out that the film suffers from a lack of vibrancy in both its visual style and its approach to serious themes such as suicide and domestic violence, suggesting these topics are not always handled with the necessary sensitivity. Conversely, Radheyan Simonpillai from The Guardian acknowledged the film as a notable entry in the Marvel brand since WandaVision, although he criticized its treatment of deeper themes as being superficial. In contrast, Clarisse Loughrey from The Independent praised the film significantly, awarding it four stars and labeling it as potentially the best Marvel movie in years, highlighting its self-awareness as a distinguishing feature. Audience fatigue with the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a concern for the studio, prompting a shift away from central characters since Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Thunderbolts may continue this trend, following the success of Deadpool & Wolverine, by focusing on characters that have not been in the spotlight recently.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the commercial success of Marvel's latest film, "Thunderbolts," which has garnered significant box office revenue. It reflects the ongoing trend in the film industry where superhero movies continue to attract large audiences, even if critical reception is mixed. The juxtaposition of high audience scores against lower critic ratings indicates a complex relationship between fan expectations and professional critique.
Box Office Performance and Audience Reception
"Thunderbolts" has achieved an impressive $162 million in international box office sales, signaling strong interest from audiences. The film's 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests that it resonates well with viewers, particularly fans of the superhero genre. This score places it among the top-rated Marvel films, which could imply that despite critical scrutiny, the film fulfills the entertainment value that fans seek.
Critical Analysis and Mixed Reviews
The article notes that while some critics have praised the film, others have pointed out its shortcomings. The criticisms range from visual aspects to the handling of serious themes like depression and domestic violence. This mixed critical reception could reflect a broader debate within the industry on how superhero films should address complex social issues. The varying perspectives among critics could also indicate a division in audience expectations versus artistic aspirations.
Cultural Impact and Community Response
The film seems to appeal to communities that appreciate the Marvel brand while also seeking representation of lesser-known superheroes. The focus on personal struggles of the characters may resonate with viewers who appreciate depth in storytelling. Moreover, the film's themes may attract discussions about mental health, potentially fostering a dialogue among audiences.
Economic Implications and Industry Trends
The success of "Thunderbolts" could have significant implications for the stock market, particularly for Disney and Marvel. A successful release could bolster shareholder confidence and influence future production decisions. As such films often generate merchandising revenue, the impact extends beyond ticket sales, influencing the broader entertainment economy.
Connection to Current Events
As superhero narratives often reflect societal issues, their reception can indicate broader cultural sentiments. The popularity of "Thunderbolts" amidst ongoing conversations about mental health and societal challenges may suggest that audiences are looking for deeper connections in their entertainment choices.
Use of AI in Newswriting
While it's difficult to ascertain the specific role of AI in the writing of this article, AI tools could have been used for data gathering or sentiment analysis regarding audience and critic reviews. Such technology might have influenced how the article presents the film's reception, highlighting audience approval more prominently than critical reviews.
The article is largely factual, presenting box office numbers and audience scores, but the subjectivity in critic reviews and potential biases could influence perceptions. The aim seems to be to generate excitement around "Thunderbolts" while acknowledging its flaws, which can shape public interest and ultimately affect its commercial success.
In conclusion, this article serves to both promote the film and engage with the ongoing discussions surrounding its themes. The mixed critical reception paired with strong audience support reflects the complexities of modern film consumption.