Thunderbolts*, the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most recent offering, is a refreshingly direct film for a franchise that has offered a string of duds.

Populated by the schlubs of the superhero world, "Thunderbolts*" is another step in the right direction for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it continues extricating itself from the mess of the Multiverse Saga.

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.