Review of Thor: Ragnarok (2017) by John M — 24 Dec 2018

Chris Hemsworth reprises the role that put him on the map and he embraces Thor with a reckless abandon. This is the most Thor movie to date deciding to really explore what it means to be a god while spewing one-liners at a furious pace. There is also a levity when considering what Ragnarok means in the Nordic mythology which is the end of days. So, we anticipate some kind of Armageddon will befall the citizens of Asguard.

We find Thor is imprisoned on the planet Sakaar run by a flamboyant tyrant in a role destined for eccentric Jeff Goldblum. Here, he is forced to participate in gladiatorial games against his own friend, The Hulk. This leads to incredible battle sequences and satisfies any desire you had to see these two immensely powerful beings face off. We are treated to Thor tapping into his own potential he was unaware of until the situation dictates it. The special effects for these sequences are beautiful and slow motion is actually used appropriately adding the intended dramatic effect.

The death of Thor's father looms largely over his decisions and how he conducts his life. This is a more grounded movie despite the colorful trappings and almost acid dream designs of this world. Thor is deeply affected by visions of his father and the void which has been left behind. Adding insult to injury, he has lost his hammer robbing him of some of his power. His father tries to teach Thor his hammer is not the true source of his power but something deep inside himself. I actually felt Thor doubting himself in this film when he normally feels so confident.

Thor plays fast and loose with the prophecy but you do feel the weight of what will happen to his world. This film knows when to turn off the switch on the comedy and reach out to touch your heart. The scenes with Thor's father are heartwarming and show there is perhaps another side to this seemingly perfect Nordic god. The humor comes more from the situations which leads to genuinely funny moments but the one-liners are fast and furious.

Thor is never allowed to wallow in the sadder moments and is brought back to being a very humorous take which would be difficult considering the Armageddon. Largely, this movie rests on Chris Hemsworth's ability to use his affable charm but it never wears thin as they stay away from some of the lectures present in the other iterations. The director wisely does not play a joke past its expiration date moving on after the punchline is delivered. I often find some of the Marvel movies tiresome with their attempts at humor but it feels a lot more natural here. He never really sinks to woe is me blues but continues to infuse the movie with an upbeat charm.

Loki is always delightful as the trickster looking to throw a wrench into the plans. He has earned the throne but is cast in disarray when a shape-shifting Hela arrives played by Cate Blanchett. Her villain works as a delightfully over the top caricature but also a surprising connection to Thor's past. Largely, this film is about figuring out your past so you can plan for the future. This theme constantly repeats throughout the movie and unlocking your potential by tapping into your past.

Redemption is another theme for characters you may have found beyond reinventing themselves. However, you can never count out these characters with being allowed to grow. Sometimes, a superhero movie feels like everything will return to normal and the characters do not change. This feels different and the characters actually believably grow. There is a sense of finality to the crucial decisions and some heartbreaking images of Thor accepting his limitations.

Taika Waititi imbues this movie with his comedic sensibilities and we are all the better for it enjoying impeccable timing. He draws out the best performance from Hemsworth to date and also allows the movie to have a beating heart. We get the best version of the character by forcing him in the most dire of circumstances . The real treat is seeing how Hulk and Thor interact as long-time friends with their witty banter being the highlight of the film. This is the movie you would introduce to someone unfamiliar with the character. We feel this time for his plight and are affected by the scars he incurs through the events of this film. Sure, the end may be a foregone conclusion but the writing smartly takes us on a surprising journey towards that end. There are times where the journey can be just as satisfying and this is no different.