As Russian assassin/spy and martial arts master Yelena Belova, Florence Pugh takes a cue from Tom Cruise and makes a spectacular entrance in this week’s Marvel adventure “Thunderbolts*” — by

The movie opens on a morose note, as Florence Pugh ’s weary assassin Yelena explains in voiceover that she feels deadened by the loss of her sister ( Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow) and the empty routine of her life.

That's the overall vibe to this latest entry in the never-ending parade of Marvel films and television series. Thunderbolts* serves two purposes — the good news is that it's further proof that Florence Pugh is a dynamic screen talent.