In a world filled with super villains, scientist Emily Stanton (Octavia Spencer) invents a treatment that imbues super powers as a way to fight back. Which of course estranged friend Lydia Berman (Melissa McCarthy) accidentally takes ruining her plans. 

Thunder Force is an odd film. It is sporadically funny, especially if you appreciate McCarthy’s specific brand of humour. It feels like it should be a family movie but is slightly too potty mouthed for the very young (we realised this too late into proceedings to stop). Whilst the superhero aspect feels like a way to tap into the current zeitgeist without having any real interest in creating any decent action set pieces. Oh and Octavia Spencer could not look more uncomfortable in her heroic role. Whilst this is partly her character, there are moments when she looks physically uncomfortable.

Written and directed by Ben Falcone, McCarthy’s husband this is probably his high point in his auteur career to date. His previous efforts were Tammy, The Boss, Life of the Party and Superintelligence. So it’s clear that he and McCarthy have a lot of fun making comedies together. 

The film has a three act structure that peaks in the middle. The opening montage takes us through the two friends lives together as children. The final section is the super hero team trying to save the day. But it is the middle section where Lydia is taking her treatments and training that are the most fun. 

Then of course we must mention the villains. Pom Klementieff, famous for playing Mantis in the Marvel Universe is fun as the dumb “Laser”. Bobby Canavale is the short tempered big bad “The King”. Best of all though is Jason Bateman as “The Crab” who quite frankly features in the most bizarre and consequently funniest scenes in the film. 

Honestly though, I can only see two reactions to this film. You will either hate it or find it a bizarre oddity that is awkwardly funny. I found it to be the latter.