Thor: Love and Thunder star Natalie Portman as Mighty Thor is lauded by critics and the same holds true for Christian Bale’s menacing Gorr and Rusell Crowe’s Zeus. With Love and Thunder’s LA red carpet premiere wrapped up, early reactions quickly followed praising director Taika Waititi for making an electrifying fourth installment filled with heart, destruction and much-loved humor.
It seems like Waititi has hit another home run for Marvel Studios with many calling the upcoming Chris Hemsworth-led cosmic adventure blockbuster their favorite out of the past three films, even beating Thor: Ragnarok. Visually, critics praised Thor 4’s 80s color-filled vibrancy – the soundtrack had a similar feel, as Fandango’s Erik Davis put it, “Guns N’ Roses-fueled battles.” The radiating visuals were supported with a gripping love story whilst also delivering high stakes through Gorr the God Butcher. The new villain has been touted as the best antagonist by far and critics seem to agree as well.
Most of the first non-spoiler opinions indicate Waititi’s total creative control in helming Thor: Love and Thunder, which explains why some critics called it heavy on humor but a heartfelt experience throughout. Even so, few reactions also addressed the lows of Thor 4 with tonal inconsistency. Nonetheless, the overall reaction is positive. Readers can see it below.
#ThorLoveAndThunder has very high highs & very low lows. It’s very Taika Waititi and is tonally all over the place. That said, the second half is way better than the first and I really loved what Christian Bale brought to the table. Also, Natalie Portman is fantastic as expected. pic.twitter.com/NCCsDS7bj2
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) June 24, 2022
Another classic Thor adventure! #ThorLoveAndThunder is everything I wanted it to be. Big, colorful, weird Guns N' Roses-fueled battles to go w/ a hopelessly romantic story about discovering love in unexpected places. Christian Bale & Russell Crowe are especially great. And Korg! pic.twitter.com/fu0gTUuMRj
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) June 24, 2022
Natalie Portman's performance in #ThorLoveAndThunder is exceptional. Also, watching Dr. Jane Foster transform into this hero…it's what I want for all women on my screen. I want that complexity. And Portman and Taika Waititi helped bring that forward. You'll love her. Promise.❤️ pic.twitter.com/ka55q4udMJ
— Lyra Hale 🔜 SDCC (@TheAltSource) June 24, 2022
Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, aka #MightyThor, is just such a home run. Her whole story here is powerful and fulfilling.
Christian Bale is creepy good as #Gorr. He could’ve benefitted from a little more screen time but lands really well. Great villain.#ThorLoveAndThunder pic.twitter.com/0yDhSGtDjg
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) June 24, 2022
#ThorLoveAndThunder has an Appetite For Destruction & laughs. It’s totally rad! Taika Waititi delivers a subversive, irreverent spectacle. Great story, stakes & character-building. Chris Hemsworth & Natalie Portman, superb.Russell Crowe & Christian Bale slip easily into the world pic.twitter.com/W7PUUXIfM5
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) June 24, 2022
#ThorLoveAndThunder surpasses all expectations balancing absolutely bombastic insanity with moving character driven stories. Christian Bale is top tier and Natalie Portman is truly outstanding. Waititi may have just delivered the MCU’s best movie of Phase 4 #ThorLoveAndThunder pic.twitter.com/HDePEKKS8P
— Caitlin Tyrrell (@caitlin_tyrrell) June 24, 2022
#ThorLoveandThunder is an energetic rock n’ roll spectacle that blasts Taika Waititi’s personality all the way to 11. It’s hilarious, feels the love, and brings the so-called thunder often. A warm hug of dazzling Cosmic Marvel sights and goofball attitudes that kicks tons of ass. pic.twitter.com/UCTXcbXgGM
— Matt Donato (@DoNatoBomb) June 24, 2022
THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER is a rockin’ great time with electrifying action, lots of laughs (the screaming goats!) & a profound story on absent gods & our desire for love. Natalie Portman makes a mighty return & Christian Bale slays it as the terrifying Gorr. The best Thor film yet! pic.twitter.com/s42SkqxlJj
— Matt Neglia @Tribeca (@NextBestPicture) June 24, 2022
THOR: LOVE & THUNDER is a TOTAL BLAST! Even BETTER than “RAGNAROK,” and one of the BEST MCU MOVIES! #ChrisHemsworth is a friggin’ ROCK STAR & #NataliePortman is a TOTAL BADASS! Director #TaikaWaititi has done it again! #ThorLoveAndThunder IS AWESOME! pic.twitter.com/JTEl6xB2xt
— Scott Mantz (@MovieMantz) June 24, 2022
holy shit. #ThorLoveandThunder is the perfect blend of taika at his best with comedy and a punch to the gut all in one. i left this movie emotionally satisfied while also sobbing and just perfection. we stan a dad rock soundtrack. in the words of my new favorite characters: AHH pic.twitter.com/MytduVq89h
— it was rachatha all along (@RachelLeishman) June 24, 2022
#ThorLoveAndThunder is electric! A wacky, high energy delight with a cast full of aces crushing one scene after the next. LOADS of laughs (my face legit hurts), menace of Christian Bale’s Gorr is chilling, but most of all loved that it’s a film brimming with good vibes & heart. pic.twitter.com/CjVHkxAprC
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) June 24, 2022
#ThorLoveAndThunder is predictably hilarious yet unexpectedly personal and heartfelt. Christian Bale and Natalie Portman's performances truly shine while Waititi delivers an emotional story. I think this may be my favorite Thor movie. pic.twitter.com/i7BpmQHvQ1
— Richard Nebens – The Direct (@RichardNebens) June 24, 2022
Valkyrie’s (Tessa Thompson) story was also applauded though she and Gorr’s screen time were reportedly less compared to others. Additionally, some have teased audiences to stick around for the mid-credits scene.
Also Read: Thor: Love and Thunder gets early release date in India & Marvel fans are happy
Thor: Love and Thunder is still two weeks away from its release and while the social media Embargo is lifted, the review embargo ends on July 5 at 9 AM ET. So readers hoping for a deep-dive review can tune in then.
The upcoming flick also stars the Guardians of the Galaxy members Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Groot, Kraglin (Sean Gunn) and Rocket Raccoon.
Thor: Love and Thunder arrives in theatres on July 7.
