Thor: Ragnarok Review

Thor: Ragnarok

By Devon

Vivid. Dazzling. Flashy. Intense. All words that come to mind when I watch the new Thor: Ragnarok, coming to theaters today, November 3^rd.

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK..Thor (Chris Hemsworth)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

This third Thor film begins with a battle going on between Thor and Surtur, a fire demon. Thor learns that his father, Odin, is no longer on Asgard, and that the realm itself will soon fall to Ragnarok if Surtur places his crown on the Eternal Flame. Ultimately, Thor defeats Surtur and makes his way to Asgard, believing Ragnarok has been prevented. However, coming to Asgard, he finds his brother, Loki, posing as Odin; they travel together to Earth where they find Stephen Strange. Stephen leads them to a dying Odin, who explains that his firstborn daughter, Hela, will be released upon his passing.

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

The movie advances from there, introducing several new and lovable characters along the way. From the very beginning of the movie, I knew this was going to have a very different feel from the others in the Thor storyline. If you read my post about the press junket I attended where I was able to interview members of the cast from this movie, you’ll remember me saying that Taika Waititi worked with the entire cast wanting to give this movie “a new sensibility.”

There’s definitely a lot more humor in this movie than in the others; in a good way, of course. Chris Hemsworth portrays a much more witty Thor than we’ve seen before, and it definitely sets a good balance between the comedic side and the dark and dramatic side. I never would’ve pinned Chris Hemsworth as the next to come out as a comedic outbreak, but he sure proved that he was. His wit and charisma that plays along with most characters he comes into contact with throughout the movie put such a different spin on the entire Thor series of the MCU, but I think it was a necessary twist given how dark the previous Thor was. But of course, that all gets balanced out as well, with the introduction of Hela, Cate Blanchett’s character. Hela is Odin’s firstborn daughter, the goddess of death. She is dark and mysterious, and has Thor and Loki confused as to her existence and where she even came from, as all history of her in Asgard has been hidden away since her imprisonment. Adorning head-to-toe black and a headdress that reminds the crowd of horns, she manifests weapons and was able to destroy Thor’s beloved hammer within minutes of being introduced to her. She’s such a powerful villain that leaves all of the heroes wondering how to defeat her, and Cate Blanchett really pushes that narrative with such an impressive and dominant portrayal, she definitely steals the show when she’s on screen.

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

One of the new characters we met was Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, a mercenary who we find capturing Thor and taking him to serve the Grandmaster, played by Jeff Goldblum, who is the ruler of this planet named Sakaar. Tessa Thompson did a wonderful job portraying Valkyrie, who once defended Asgard against Hela long ago, and now works for the Grandmaster. Valkyrie is a very strong character, both physically and mentally, as she easily holds her own against the likes of both Thor and Loki. Not only in character though, Tessa’s portrayal is so strong that she doesn’t just fall to a side character, she’s so well integrated that it actually leaves you wanting more from her. If the idea of a stand-alone Valkyrie movie were to come to fruition, I think it would do some wonderful justice in building up such a powerful female hero.

Marvel Studios’ THOR: RAGNAROK..Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

Jeff Goldblum as the Grandmaster is the twisted, eccentric ruler of Sakaar. The Grandmaster was such an amusing character to watch, being both somewhat sarcastic but also somewhat sadistic, in a way where he pins warriors together to fight tooth and nail in his Contest of Champions. Watching Jeff portray the Grandmaster, you can definitely tell he took the idea and ran with it. I definitely think his talent as a jazz musician added to the character improvisation as well, with the way the Grandmaster talks and sways when he walks.

Marvel Studios Thor: Ragnarok..L to R: Topaz (Rachel House), Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) and Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson)..Photo: Jasin Boland..©Marvel Studios 2017

And of course, we have some of our favorite characters returning for this film, such as Thor himself, Loki and The Hulk. Of course, being brothers in the MCU, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston have always had some charming chemistry between the two of them that make it so enjoyable to watch them interact. Before this movie, we never really saw Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk being able to interact with everybody just as much; well that all changed in this film. The Hulk has remained on Sakaar for a few years now while also suppressing his counterpart, Bruce Banner. As he has built up more of a personality as Hulk instead of just being a giant, green weapon, he has also built up the “vocabulary of a toddler.” However, when a few events take place that require him to turn back into Bruce for the second half of the movie, we’re reminded of just how lovable of a character Mark Ruffalo has created for us. The same as Thor, Bruce Banner has also become more witty and humorous for this movie, as the two of them share tons of hilarious banter throughout the movie, making you grateful that we finally get to see these two interact in more than just another battle scene.

Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

Loki, how would I be able to see a third Thor movie without having to comment on you? As the most entertaining and endearing villain we’ve seen in the MCU, I’m always excited to see more from him. Especially in this movie, where we know that up to this point, he’s in a constant battle with himself and the “struggles of his past,” as Tom Hiddleston described it during the press junket. However, even though we see him try his best to betray Thor yet again in this movie, we also see a change in him that has been built upon throughout all of the movies he’s in.

Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2017

The entire movie in general was easily one of the most entertaining and fun movies we’ve seen out of the MCU so far, and that’s hard to beat. Taika Waititi and the entire cast’s vision for this movie came to life, in a way that definitely reminded viewers of heavy metal covers. Especially the bright coloring and bold designs throughout the movie adds to it, giving it an almost Guardians of the Galaxy vibe, while still staying true to the Thor characters and very different world. It’s definitely a movie I would want to rewatch over and over again, as it draws you in quickly and leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat the entire time.

Thor: Ragnarok opens in theaters everywhere today, November 3^rd! If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, check it out below!