Thor: Ragnarok Review

If you are hungry for some real entertainment, get yourself to your local movie theater and go see Thor: Ragnarok!

That was going to be my entire review because 1) I don’t want to give out any spoilers and 2) I really mean it.

It has the four main elements a movie – especially a Marvel movie – needs to be super entertaining.

1) ACTION

It goes without saying that another entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe that involves the God of Thunder will be action-packed. Also, there’s the threat of the destruction of Asgard and the delicious and very evil character of Hela (Cate Blanchet), so yeah. There’s quite a bit of action.

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK..Asgard..Ph: Teaser Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK..Hela (Cate Blanchett) ..Ph: Teaser Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

The fun thing about the action in this film is that it’s not overdone. The special effects really do serve the plot as opposed to the other way around. I found that quite refreshing in an action movie.

2) HUMOR

From the opening scene where it looks like our hero is about to meet a terrible end – which, of course, he manages to escape, because Hello. God of Thunder! – and all through the film, it’s laugh out loud funny for the entire film. My favorites are Thor’s interactions with his “friend from work,” Hulk/Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). Seriously. Get the popcorn.

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK..L to R: Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

Director Taika Waititi celebrates the humor in every single scene, which helps cut the tension because Ragnarok pretty much means “total destruction.” And, may I add, he steals every scene he’s in. He plays the rock-monster, Korg in a most satisfying way.

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK..Korg (Taika Waititi)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

Cate Blanchett shares what it’s like to be on set with Taika: “What’s great about Taika is his humor––it’s so particular and unique and quirky. But there’s just this natural buoyancy with the way that he thinks. With Taika, I think it’s probably the happiest film set I have ever been on. It’s so free and playful. There’s a sense that there’s no judgment. You feel like he’s really gathered everyone into the same boat.”

3) DRAMA

Did I mention that Ragnarok means “total destruction?” Poor Thor – and I’m not giving anything away here – is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer (!) and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela.

But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk!

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK..Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)..Ph: Teaser Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

Not to mention that his incredibly complicated relationship with brother, Loki is fraught with tension and mistrust. Their love-hate relationship brings so much of the underlying drama.

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK..L to R: Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

4) SPECTACLE

The Grandmaster of the planet where Thor finds himself imprisoned is played by the incomparable Jeff Goldblum. He is both comedic and ruthless and as such, brings a sense of danger and whimsy to his gladiatorial games.

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK..L to R: Topaz (Rachel House), Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) and Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

The pitting of Thor against Hulk in gladiatorial combat is absolutely genius. I won’t spoil what happens between them, but the scene in the arena really does take your breath away as well as making you laugh out loud.

Marvel Studios Thor: Ragnarok..L to R: Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)..Photo: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

We are also introduced to Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) in this film. A woman with an intense and terrifying past who keeps you unsure about who’s side she’s on through a majority of the action. She’s the one you will both love and hate.

To sum up, Thor: Ragnarok is by far my favorite addition, not just to the Thor trilogy, but to the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. There. I said it.

Also, if you’re wondering what happened to Thor’s hammer…