Apr 23, 2018
Three days.
Three more days and most of you will be in line for “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018). Our review will be up on Monday, April 30th. We’re on the last step on the Road to Infinity War.
Today’s movie is “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017), the third and possibly final Thor film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by Taika Waititi and written by Eric Pearson, Craig Kyle, and Christopher L. Yost. The film picks up immediately after “Avengers: Age of Ultron”, as Thor (Chris Hemsworth) returns to Asgard, the “eternal realm” to confront Loki (Tom Hiddleston), ends up on the other side of the universe with an old friend from work, and finds himself against his older sister, Hela (Cate Blanchett).
This film has a lot more to offer on multiple viewings. The first time I saw it in the theatres, there was so much to take in, particularly the major shift in tone from epic Shakespearean fantasy to almost a buddy cop comedy, but as an awesome trek into the cosmic parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well. I remember seeing that Hulk was going to be part of the film and was immediately sold, even though in retrospect I wonder what kind of theatre magic would have happened if that part had been kept under wraps.
I was also admittedly nervous about Taika Waititi being brought in to helm the film, but Taika really brings the right mix of comedy and drama from his incredible filmography to what is essentially a cosmic thrill ride with universe-changing consequences. I really enjoyed the comic book stills as part of the storytelling, and the overall 80s electronic feel to the art direction and the music selection was spot on. I also thought the toe-dip into continuity with Doctor Strange, while a little awkward, was also well done.
If there are any complaints with the film, it’s that they couldn’t find this combination with the first two films, and the thematic shift somewhat derails the overall direction of Thor’s story. It doesn’t take away from the incredible performances and outrageous cameos, nor from the incredible action scenes, especially when the God of Hammers figures out where his strength really lies. And the mid-credits scene when the Kree warship shows up is probably the best lead-in to “Avengers: Infinity War” we will get, especially with the Comic-Con trailer that was debuted showing a bearded Thor running into the Guardians of the Galaxy.
“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017) is a dramatic shift in tone for the Thor storyline, but one that I believe is for the better. I’m worried this might be the end of the line for Thor, especially since Jane is out of the picture for whatever reasons, and with nearly all the major Thor storylines from the comic books brought to life. Still, it remains a great film, easily one of the funniest, and well worth multiple viewings.
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% (CERTIFIED)
Metacritic: 74
One Movie Punch: 8.8/10
“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017) is rated PG-13 and is currently streaming wherever you enjoy movies.