Thor: Ragnarok
- Ibrahim Wahla
- Nov 15, 2017
- 3 min read
Rating 7/10
Directed by Taika Waititi
Starring
Chris Hemsworth as Thor
Tom Hiddleston as Loki
Cate Blanchett as Hela
Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner / Hulk
Jeff Goldblum as The Grandmaster
Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange
The infamous Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand their lead exponentially over DC with yet another success; this time with the third edition of Chris Hemsworth’s Thor. The perfect synchronization of Marvel Universe’s character development continues as the story of Doctor Strange and Hulk progresses. With the timelines interlinked, Marvel ensures to keep the audience hooked.. That ideal and age-old combination of humor, action and star power continue to be the success formula for Marvel.
It was a comeback movie for the character of Thor, with the second edition not being a major success. Thor: Ragnarok compensates for the flaws of its predecessor; it’s an entertainment packed movie. The success of Thor: Ragnarok has set the bar high for DC universe and upcoming Marvel movies as well, particularly DC’s Justice League has a lot to compete for at the box office.
Taika Waititi the director of the movie has done a fabulous job just like in 2016’s Doctor Strange. The perfect blend of humor and character development forces its viewers to be constantly involved in the movie, constantly entertained by these familiar beloved characters.
The movie kicks off as Thor discovers the absence of Odin. Loki exiles Odin to earth and takes his form as the King of Asgard. Thor confronts Loki and goes on to look for Odin. With the help of Doctor Strange, Thor finds his father who is near his end. Odin reveals the existence of a secret elder sister, Hela, the goddess of death, who had been imprisoned by Odin because of her immense powers and dark desires. The death of Odin frees Hela from her shackles and she returns to claim her throne as the rightful Queen of Asgard. Thor and Loki are no match for Hela but they must find within themselves, along with some outside help, and a witty screenplay, the courage to protect Asgard in any way necessary.
The movie’s plot might not be a piece of art, as is always the case with Marvel movies, but the pacing remains smooth and the narrative flowing, primarily because of the transition of the scenes in a progressive manner, for which Taika deserves praise. The scene in which Thor recognizes his full potential as a God of Thunder is a perfect example of such instances.
Speaking of Thor, Hemsworth handles his material with such excellent comic timing, it adds to the immense entertainment value of this film. Loki maintains the appeal and charm that made him an instant fan favorite, being one of Marvels’ best villains (or anti-heroes).
Unfortunately though, the action packed CGI heavy sequences are not the best shot. They’re loud and become tiringly grating eventually; no amount of giant murderous creatures or genocide could possibly justify it. A big “twist” at the end remains shoehorned in and tonally off. Yet Thor constantly engages.
I expected Thor: Ragnarok to be a light-hearted comedic romp, practically a parody of the typical Marvel formula. Helmed by the relationship and character development as well as the humor it employs, it ends up being another Marvel movie that you just cannot resist enjoying.
Edgar Wright’s Ant-man remains the most offbeat Marvel entry to date yet though, for its style and small scale (pun intended) Give that a watch if you haven’t.
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