Movie Breakdown: Thor: Ragnarok

Pre-Screening Stance:

Let’s face it, Thor and Thor: The Dark World are pretty shrug-worthy movies.  This isn’t to say I think they’re bad, because I generally like both films, but there’s just nothing special or really memorable about either of them.  Here’s hoping that  Taika Waititi (Hunt For The Wilderpeople, What We Do In The Shadows) can flip this issue on its head with his Thor: Ragnarok.

Post-Screening Ramble:

Like Marvel’s other 2017 releases, Spider-Man: Homecoming and Guardians Of The Galaxy: Vol. 2,  Thor: Ragnarok is an exciting romp that’s vibrant, funny and action packed. It begins with Thor – of course – hammering faces and then running off to Asgard to celebrate his victory.  Once there he gets into it with Loki, he chats with Odin, he meets Hella (a perfectly cast Cate Blanchett), and then wham bam he finds himself on a literal trash dump of a planet that’s ruled by a fella called Grandmaster (a perfectly cast Jeff Goldblum).  This is where Thor’s actual adventure begins, and boy is it a real damn good time from here.

If you ask me, I think all the credit for Ragnarok being a winner should go to director Taika Waititi.  He injects so much color and humor into every scene that – for once – it isn’t somewhat of a chore to watch Thor operate outside of the Avengers.  It’s not all just jokes and crazy costumes that work in Ragnarok though, Waititi delivers the loud stuff as well.  Thor is more powerful (and fun to watch) than he has been in any other movie, the big battle with the Hulk in the gladiator arena is rad, anything with Valkyrie (a perfectly cast Tessa Thompson) is great, and the climactic battle is far from a let down.

While they probably could have called the film Thor: New Zealand (I liked this, you may not) and while there are a couple of strange bits at play (the history of Asgard is nonsensical, the Heimdall subplot feels tacked on), I found Thor: Ragnarok to be a blast.  Go see it this weekend.

One Other Thought:

Don’t see this in 3D.  It’s too dark.

One Last Thought:

I would like a spinoff film that features the Taika Waititi-voiced Korg.  Few things make me as happy as that rock man with his pleasant disposition and thick New Zealand accent.