"I choose to run towards my problems, and not away from them. Because that's what heroes do." - Thor.
Directed by Taika Waititi, this was a very fun movie to watch. Particularly because of the comedy that was more prevalent then in other Marvel films, but also because of its casting and script and special effects. Taika took a story that could have been serious and instead made it one that also elicited laughs from the audience.
Chris Hemsworth is always a delight to watch as Thor. Embodying all the swagger and arrogance of the Thunder God, this time around he also brought out some of the more serious nature of the character. Thor really steps up to the plate in this movie, not just in the sense of saving the world, but also in terms of taking even more responsibility then he had in the past. Faced with insurmountable odds and without his usual method of dealing with a problem (RIP Mjolnir), he uses his mind and his abilities, not just as the Thunder God but also humility and desire to make things right. There is some major character growth throughout the movie for Thor, so that by the end Marvel-lovers see what kind of hero is truly under the hair and power. He is a hero, willing to do whatever it takes to see that things are put right.
Returning to the character of Bruce Banner after 3 years, Mark Ruffalo did a smashing job. Like putting on an old coat or getting back on a bicycle, he gives people a Bruce Banner who has been locked inside the Hulk's rage and anger for two years. Back in reality, there's a lot of shock over missing so much, and then suddenly being thrust into a conflict that is of catastrophic proportions. Nevertheless, it is all taken in stride and Banner/Hulk is back in the fight again. There's a lot of great improvisation between Ruffalo and Hemsworth, which makes for fantastic back and forth.
Tessa Thompson nailed it as Valkyrie. One of the great warrior women of Asgard's elite, this is a figure who has been running from her problems all her life. Shame, afraid to face down the evil of that once nearly dominated all life. Face to face with Thor and the possibility of redemption (after some soul searching and goading), she stands and fights again for Asgard and for life. May her character return for future Marvel Cinematic movies, and perhaps even get her own spin-off adventures. There is a lot of great potential, both with Valkyrie within the confines of being in more Marvel teamups, and also having her own superhero film adventures.
Cate Blanchett was truly terrifying as Hela. Despite being a one-movie villain, her impact as a nemesis felt even found resounding then that of say Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). The reasons for who she is (Goddess of Death) and for being the way she is, are more personal and deep then some of the usual superhero movie villains. Elder child of Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and scored by him for being too power-mad, she is locked away for all eternity, released at last by the death of the All-Father. And with that release comes fury, rage and the desire to claim the throne of Asgard for her very own. This makes for a powerful performance with many great scenes and fabulous dialogue. Casting Cate in this role was a great decision, one worthy of an Oscar.
It's not a Thor movie without Tom Hiddleston as Loki. There wouldn't be any sly villainy or clever witty remarks to toss at Chris without Tom. He experiences some growth as well. While it may not be as soul-wrenching powerful as Thor finally taking up the kingship of Asgard, its still deep. With high stakes at play this time around, the resentment he's always felt towards his brother finally is stripped away in some very choice words and acting between Chris and Tom. While these two brothers may not always get along, Loki may finally see how much Thor always cared for him, even when it seemed like he didn't.
For a superhero plot about the end of Asgard, there is lots of moments designed to make people laugh. But there is also a lot of seriousness underneath the funny. There's the big overarching element of Hela taking over Asgard and Ragnarok, the end of all things coming. Further inside that, is the story of Thor. Favorite son of Odin, God of Thunder, Prince of Asgard, Avenger. Thor eschewed the responsibilities of the throne for a life of adventure and daring do. Now, he must face up to all the things he pushed aside, and while ruling still means that there is adventure, it also means he has to stop running from the problem of feeling like he could never be the king Odin was.
That really says a lot for his character, and it can be seen in parallel with figures history. George Washington, after the end of the American Revolution, was ready for a quiet life of being the gentleman farmer. Living out his days with Martha at Mount Vernon. While he may not have wanted to be President, he still rose to the occasion and became the first in a long line of Presidents, and helped set the precedent for a peaceful transition of office. Another example is that of King George IV (rewatch 'The King's Speech' or early episodes of 'The Crown' to remember him). He never even truly wanted the throne of England, but in the end he accepted it. In doing so, he lead his people through some of the darkest days the nation ever saw during WWII.
The point behind these previous paragraphs, is that history and fiction alike are filled with reluctant leaders. People who do not wish to rule, but ruler-ship is handed to them no matter what. How they handle that responsibility and the duties that come with it, therein lies the true marks of what it takes to be a leader.
Other things about this movie that were great include the special effects and the additional members of the cast. Every Marvel Cinematic piece has eye-popping visuals that just blow minds and stun people. With Thor going way out to outer space, that means a whole new playing field for graphic designers and visual artists etc. Other members of the cast that did a bang-up job include Jeff Goldblum (Grandmaster), Karl Urban (Skurge) and with a fun and great extended cameo, Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange).
Thor: Ragnarok was many things. It was serious, funny, well cast, well written and very enjoyable to watch. Another stone in the bridge building up to Avengers: Infinity Wars, this not only broadens the scope of things for Marvel more, it also showed what can happen when a superhero movie doesn't try to take itself so seriously, and still can be good. It get's a five out of five stars with the hopes that for any further solo Thor films, they are just as solid as this one.
For a superhero plot about the end of Asgard, there is lots of moments designed to make people laugh. But there is also a lot of seriousness underneath the funny. There's the big overarching element of Hela taking over Asgard and Ragnarok, the end of all things coming. Further inside that, is the story of Thor. Favorite son of Odin, God of Thunder, Prince of Asgard, Avenger. Thor eschewed the responsibilities of the throne for a life of adventure and daring do. Now, he must face up to all the things he pushed aside, and while ruling still means that there is adventure, it also means he has to stop running from the problem of feeling like he could never be the king Odin was.
That really says a lot for his character, and it can be seen in parallel with figures history. George Washington, after the end of the American Revolution, was ready for a quiet life of being the gentleman farmer. Living out his days with Martha at Mount Vernon. While he may not have wanted to be President, he still rose to the occasion and became the first in a long line of Presidents, and helped set the precedent for a peaceful transition of office. Another example is that of King George IV (rewatch 'The King's Speech' or early episodes of 'The Crown' to remember him). He never even truly wanted the throne of England, but in the end he accepted it. In doing so, he lead his people through some of the darkest days the nation ever saw during WWII.
The point behind these previous paragraphs, is that history and fiction alike are filled with reluctant leaders. People who do not wish to rule, but ruler-ship is handed to them no matter what. How they handle that responsibility and the duties that come with it, therein lies the true marks of what it takes to be a leader.
Other things about this movie that were great include the special effects and the additional members of the cast. Every Marvel Cinematic piece has eye-popping visuals that just blow minds and stun people. With Thor going way out to outer space, that means a whole new playing field for graphic designers and visual artists etc. Other members of the cast that did a bang-up job include Jeff Goldblum (Grandmaster), Karl Urban (Skurge) and with a fun and great extended cameo, Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange).
Thor: Ragnarok was many things. It was serious, funny, well cast, well written and very enjoyable to watch. Another stone in the bridge building up to Avengers: Infinity Wars, this not only broadens the scope of things for Marvel more, it also showed what can happen when a superhero movie doesn't try to take itself so seriously, and still can be good. It get's a five out of five stars with the hopes that for any further solo Thor films, they are just as solid as this one.
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