"Kneel."

Thor: Ragnarok

Mini Review

[26th of October, 2017]

I have been looking forward to see this movie since I heard it's going to be directed by the ever eccentric Taika Waititi and it would be a buddy galactic road trip movie of Thor with the Hulk, combining the comic book storyline of Ragnarok and World War Hulk/ Planet Hulk to bring us the biggest iteration of the God of Thunder yet, although the former was the main throughline while the latter only played a supporting role. After taking some time to digest the film, I believe it succeed in almost all of the things they have on the list. Regarding the director, he's been making solid cult hits with his signature wit and humour are the most memorable part of every movie. Since Thor and the Dark World aren't well received as other Marvel properties in the MCU, he is the perfect candidate to bring something fresh to the regal character and adding more levity to the cosmic premise. I believe the balance between the laughs and the feels is perfect but since comedy is subjective for each audience, they could be forgiven to feel it is a bit out of place (considering the two previous movies) while some view it to be in line with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, with less crass and more 'subtle'. In the end, it is needed to juxtapose with the extraordinary storyline and situation and the few serious downtime. Not a straight comedy, but a fun rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

Regarding the main protagonist, he shines the most at the end of this supposed trilogy as Chris Hemsworth's comic sensibilities are able to shine brightly which in turns makes him the most likable version to date. The Hulk, his travelling partner, has evolved from being just the brawler of the Avengers, being more expressive and talkative while wondering of his place in the universe. Even though this means limited screen time of the excellently anxious Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, the character's arc is only starting here and continuing on through the next two Avengers films. Loki, the God of Mischief, played by the charming Tom Hiddleston, was along for the ride as their familial dispute forced them to be transported to Sakaar accidentally and left Asgard in the bloody hands of Hela, being the perfect accompaniment to the other son of Odin as his redemption arc come to its satisfying conclusion (although there is a tease of him turning against his brother again in the first after-credit scene ... the second is just seeing where a certain character is in the aftermath of the event on Sakaar, just like the Collector at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy). After the wonderful execution of the Vulture in Homecoming, it was a tad bit disappointing that the Goddess of Death didn't get as much character development and fleshing out but her purpose is clear and her role is well defined and seamlessly put into the Universe while Cate Blanchett chews every scenery she is in and poses a believable lethal threat. With a number of new characters and places, it is impossible to give everyone ample screen time and Jeff Goldblum's eccentric the Grandmaster and Karl Urban's Skurge the Executioner among many others could only be given essentially cameo roles although it was always entertaining when they are on the screen (this Stan Lee cameo is particularly funny!). All in all, I believe that this is an experiment that was risky in concept but a risk well taken in the end as everything is executed to the best of their abilities, a lot of stakes that at the end of the day warranted their place and priming Thor for the next phase: Infinity War! Watch it and let me know what you think!

wiki - IMDb

P.S. Korg, played by the director himself, and his friend, Miek, steal the show! I can't stop laughing!