Thor Ragnarok is the seventeenth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film franchise and is directed by Taika Waititi, who also directed the critically acclaimed Hunt for the Wilderpeople and What We Do in the Shadows. While most of the MCU movies have been critically acclaimed, the Thor movies have seemed to be the more mixed part of the series despite box-office success, especially in terms of the second one. Comic book fan Kit Moore even said that although she liked the first movie, she admitted that the second “wasn't as good.” With Thor Ragnarok, however, I can safely say that the third Thor movie not only blows the other two out of the water, but is also one of the best MCU films to date.
The story once again follows Thor (played by Chris Hemsworth) as he returns to Asgard only to discover his nefarious brother Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) continuing to plot against him and his father Odin (played by Anthony Hopkins). However, things get worse when the goddess of death, Hela (played by Kate Blanchet), arrives at Asgard to wreak havoc and strands Thor and Loki on a distant planet. There, Thor is forced by the ruler of the planet’s capital, the Grandmaster (played by Jeff Goldblum), to compete in the arena where he runs across his fellow avenger Bruce Banner, AKA the Hulk (played by Mark Ruffalo). With the help of the Hulk, a former Asgardian Valkyrie (played by Tessa Thompson), and his brother (who Thor must begrudgingly work with), Thor must escape the planet and return to Asgard to put a stop to Hela.
This movie is bursting with color. Everything from the locations, to the costumes, to the magic is all eye-candy and honors the style of Jack Kirby’s comics to a tee. On top of that, the story itself fits right at home with the kind of plot the God of Thunder deserves, with plenty of fantasy elements as well as elements from the sci-fi genre. It also fits very well as a great story for the Hulk, as it takes many cues from the critically acclaimed “Planet Hulk” storyline from the comics.
The characters are all entertaining across the board. Special praise must be given to Kate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum, who look like they are having a blast in their respective villain roles. Chris Hemsworth once again is very charming and charismatic as Thor, and of course, Tom Hiddleston as Loki steals pretty much every scene he is in. Mark Ruffalo also gives a great performance as Bruce Banner, while also giving the Hulk an actual personality this time, and a hilarious one at that. Even the side characters, such as one of the aliens that Thor meets named Korg (voiced by the director himself), are also a ton of fun.
As for the action scenes in the film, like the other aspects, they are also amazing to watch. All the set pieces, such as a volcanic planet in the opening and the Grandmaster’s arena, are creative, well shot, and are backed up by an amazing soundtrack. Thor’s battle with the Hulk in particular is one of the film’s highlights. On top of that, the climax is also one of the most entertaining final battles in a comic book movie I have ever seen.
My only gripe about the movie is that at points it can get a bit too comedic, especially in terms of the steaks at large. However, that really is a nitpick in what is, as a whole, a genuine love letter to comic book fans. In a franchise that seems to be getting better and better with each consecutive film, Thor Ragnarok is no exception. It is truly a fun, exciting, and visually amazing spectacle worthy of the gods.
Final Verdict: A
photo credit: www.marvel.com
The story once again follows Thor (played by Chris Hemsworth) as he returns to Asgard only to discover his nefarious brother Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) continuing to plot against him and his father Odin (played by Anthony Hopkins). However, things get worse when the goddess of death, Hela (played by Kate Blanchet), arrives at Asgard to wreak havoc and strands Thor and Loki on a distant planet. There, Thor is forced by the ruler of the planet’s capital, the Grandmaster (played by Jeff Goldblum), to compete in the arena where he runs across his fellow avenger Bruce Banner, AKA the Hulk (played by Mark Ruffalo). With the help of the Hulk, a former Asgardian Valkyrie (played by Tessa Thompson), and his brother (who Thor must begrudgingly work with), Thor must escape the planet and return to Asgard to put a stop to Hela.
This movie is bursting with color. Everything from the locations, to the costumes, to the magic is all eye-candy and honors the style of Jack Kirby’s comics to a tee. On top of that, the story itself fits right at home with the kind of plot the God of Thunder deserves, with plenty of fantasy elements as well as elements from the sci-fi genre. It also fits very well as a great story for the Hulk, as it takes many cues from the critically acclaimed “Planet Hulk” storyline from the comics.
The characters are all entertaining across the board. Special praise must be given to Kate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum, who look like they are having a blast in their respective villain roles. Chris Hemsworth once again is very charming and charismatic as Thor, and of course, Tom Hiddleston as Loki steals pretty much every scene he is in. Mark Ruffalo also gives a great performance as Bruce Banner, while also giving the Hulk an actual personality this time, and a hilarious one at that. Even the side characters, such as one of the aliens that Thor meets named Korg (voiced by the director himself), are also a ton of fun.
As for the action scenes in the film, like the other aspects, they are also amazing to watch. All the set pieces, such as a volcanic planet in the opening and the Grandmaster’s arena, are creative, well shot, and are backed up by an amazing soundtrack. Thor’s battle with the Hulk in particular is one of the film’s highlights. On top of that, the climax is also one of the most entertaining final battles in a comic book movie I have ever seen.
My only gripe about the movie is that at points it can get a bit too comedic, especially in terms of the steaks at large. However, that really is a nitpick in what is, as a whole, a genuine love letter to comic book fans. In a franchise that seems to be getting better and better with each consecutive film, Thor Ragnarok is no exception. It is truly a fun, exciting, and visually amazing spectacle worthy of the gods.
Final Verdict: A
photo credit: www.marvel.com