Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Tom Hiddleston
Runtime: 130 minutes
For some reason, I've always found Thor to be the least interesting of all the Marvel characters. I don't know why, there isn't anything particularly wrong with him; he can be charming, amusing and has muscles on top of muscles. He just hasn't caught my interest in the same way that Captain America, Iron Man, or even Black Panther has. That isn't to say that I haven't enjoyed his first two solo films, just that they were never top of my 'films to be excited about' list (and yes, I really do have one).
Could this third movie change that for me? The answer...... YES!
The premise of the film is thus: Thor seems to have finally met his match when the Goddess of Death, Hela (Cate Blanchett) takes over Asgard. Stranded on the edge of the Nine Realms, Thor is enslaved by the Grandmaster (wonderfully played over the top by Jeff Goldblum) and forced to take on his mighty champion, who you might just recognise. Thor has to find a way back home to stop Hela and prevent Ragnarok - the end of the world.
The film isn't just funny, it's down right hilarious. I was sceptical when initial reviews labelled it as a comedy. Sure, Marvel movies have always had their laugh out loud moments, but they are essentially action flicks. However, after seeing Ragnarok, I'm sold, not only on the film, but also the vision of its director. It is 130 minutes of pure entertainment where the level of enjoyment rarely dips.
I have to confess that I had never heard of Taika Waititi before Thor, not being a fan of The Inbetweeners or Flight of the Conchords, just two of his previous directorial efforts. What could this guy possibly offer the MCU? Well, a lot to be frank. There are some comparisons between his film and James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy (namely the cosmic colours and old school soundtrack). Yet, the humour and the action is unique to Thor. Another wonderful thing about this film is the fantastic cast of characters, and the actors who play them, including Waititi himself as wannabe rebel, Korg. Despite being only a secondary character, he almost steals the entire show (we want a Korg and Miek One Shot, I hope you're listening Marvel).
If the future of Marvel lies with Waititi and Gunn, I'll be a happy camper.
The film sees the return of the bickering sons of Odin and everybody's favourite green monster, who are all in fine form. Chris Hemsworth even gets to showcase his comedy chops by displaying Thor's more awkward, and dare I say it, geeky side. It's a shame it has taken this long to see it.
But what about the new characters?
From the moment she turns up on screen, you can just tell that Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie is one to watch. She should be a villain; a bitch that the viewers love to hate. But instead you can't help but like her. She drinks, she fights and she gives Thor a run for his money. She is certainly not just there to replace the loss of Jane (who I didn't actually miss at all while watching the film, sorry).
And then there's our main villain, Hela. When an actor chews the scenery, it is rarely pleasant to watch. But when I say that Cate Blanchett chews the scenery and spits it back out, I mean it in the best possible way. This is Cate Blanchett, esteemed actress and multiple Oscar winner, playing a goth with anger management issues. She looks like she is having fun and that engages the audience even more. I also have to admit to having a small crush on her after watching her performance.
If it feels like I am gushing slightly, then I say guilty as charged. It's nice to watch a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, whilst also having the grand job of helping to pave the way for one of the most anticipated films in history, Avengers: Infinity War. Thor is now most certainly an Avenger to watch (even if he still isn't the strongest Avenger - watch it and see).
As per usual, don't forget to stay until the end for one mid-credit, and one post-credit scene.
