'Thunderbolts' provides perfect end to weekend in Arkansas

That's right. The initial group of discarded lost souls who come together to form the "Thunderbolts*" in this movie are as close to normal people with relatable normal problems as possible.

No lasers shooting out of anyone's hands, no glowing eyes of nightmare witches, nor personality switching gods. Just a Congressman in the form of former Winter Soldier Bucky Barnes, and his misfits bent on revenge against the witty, often misguided head of the CIA, and if they accidentally save the world along the way, then so be it.

What ensues is a hilarious, yet often heart tugging tale of Yelena, Ghost, Red Guardian and U.S. Agent, a former official Captain America for a few days before Sam Wilson took the mantle over. They are each broken in their own way.

Yet, it's this brokenness that allows them to reluctantly fit together to form the perfect team as outsiders learn how to belong to something bigger than themselves. Along the way they discover Bob, a man with severe mental issues who was experimented upon at the direction of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who is trying to avoid impeachment from her head CIA position by systematically wiping out all evidence that she tried to create her own super soldier program akin to the one that turned Steve Rogers into Captain America.

Rather than relying on clunky dialogue to catch up those who didn't watch "Black Widow" or keep up with multiple TV series on Disney Plus, the directors lean upon insults and bickering, along with Bob's ability to send people back into their worst memories by touching them to fill in the gaps and develop characters. It's a smooth, natural approach that is greatly appreciated.

The sets are real rather than utilizing the infamous blue void that has become such a heavy staple in recent Marvel movies. Also, the acting is spot on, something that has become a bit of a lost art in the super hero realm lately.

Florence Pugh brings depth and realness to Yelena that helps the audience easily connect to the darkness and despair she is facing as a character. It's one of only a few times in comic book movies that someone's performance deserves award consideration.

However, knowing Arkansas fans, those who aren't up to speed on Red Guardian are going to enjoy every moment he's on screen and leave wanting more. David Harbour's larger than life performance that he generates as the former Russian counterpart to Captain America who adapted to an American perspective on capitalism and fame during his time in Ohio as a spy will bring endless energy and laughs.

By the time this one is over, fans will want to rush out and find a Wheaties box just to see if the Red Guardian truly has realized his ultimate dream.

So for the Arkansas fans who weren't part of generating $162 million in the film's opening weekend, find the time to go see it. For the first time in forever, Marvel has made something the Hogs faithful may even want to see multiple times to experience it with as many friends and family as possible.

It was the perfect punctuation to a perfect weekend for Razorbacks fans this past weekend. It can do the same this weekend or even serve as a pick-me-up if things don't go well following the Thursday-Saturday afternoon series with Tennessee.