I know I’m late to the party, but I went to see Thunderbolts* and really enjoyed it. The pace was good, the dialog was snappy. All the actors did a great job. But you know what was even better? The Screen Crush video where they discussed the depression all the characters in the film were experiencing.

I often watch the Screen Crush videos right after seeing a film because they catch so much more of the meaning than I ever do. Usually it’s because their comic book nerd-fu is next level, but this time it was more like listening to my mother – who was an amazing psychologist.

I think that’s what makes Thunderbolts* the best Marvel movie in a very long time. It’s not just action. It’s cerebral and visceral as well. As was pointed out in the movie they’re all punch and shoot antiheroes (with the surprise exception) so what makes these characters worth watching isn’t their powers, it’s their trauma, and how they deal with it. We’ll never know what it’s like to fly or shoot blasts of energy out of my hands, but we all have experienced tragedy, and we all have that voice in our heads telling us we’re not good enough.

Do yourself a favor and watch the Screen Crush analysis video. It’s like a salve for the soul.