Thor: Ragnarok will surely leave the audience with different experiences, something fans wouldn’t have taken away with earlier MCU titles. Furthermore, it looks like Director Taika Waititi may have explored another formula for Disney owned Marvel Studios to exploit after the end of the 22-movie arc with Phase 4.
WARNING: Review contains minor-spoilers to the film
Thor: Ragnarok, the threequel project which influenced the works of Jack Kirby is a visually stunning film that makes you go ‘awe’ the moment our superhero steps on planet Sakaar. But the audience wouldn’t have to wait that long for the humor to kick in.
The film shows that the God of Thunder has been on a journey to find the infinity stones and is troubled with dreams of the ‘Ragnarok Prophecy’ (end of Asgard). His maddening search for answers begins his “journey of self discovery”
If the trailers haven’t made it clear, the threequel is certainly Marvel’s funniest film yet. Director Taika Waititi hasn’t missed an opportunity to make the film exciting, fun and adventurous throughout the end. But the 2hr 10min film introduces a lot of twists that seemed rushed at certain points.
Introduction of planet Sakaar, Hela, Surtur and a new version of the Hulk are some of the twists that fans would already be aware of thanks to the film’s spoiler-filled promotions. But fortunately, that’s just scratching the surface of its twists and changes.
Stills from Thor Ragnarok trailer
Starting with The Hulk, the character’s new three-part arc begins in Thor: Ragnarok. Fans are introduced to a new Hulk who has more control over Bruce Banner, allowing him to stay in the form for over 2 years-post the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron.
The introduction of the arc explains Hulk’s ability to converse and engage in discussions in the threequel. But it doesn’t explain the character’s tone downed kids friendly characterization in the film. Perhaps, it’s too soon to judge but the initial development of the character suggests The Hulk requires more screen time in upcoming films to do justice to his 3-part arc.
Stills from Thor Ragnarok trailer
Hela, on the other hand, was certainly a treat. Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of the character’s attitude is sure to keep the audience engaged during her moments with Skurge. But the antagonist’s grand entrance and exit fail to give the character the spotlight she deserves. It seemed like an error on the script side. But the goddess of death will surely push Marvel to look into establishing more female superheroes and villains.
What’s more interesting and was barely hinted in one of the TV spots is Thor and Loki’s interaction. At certain moments shared between both on-screen siblings, fans are treated to bits and pieces of their past story. Perhaps, Marvel could explore that side of the story in a Thor & Loki spinoff? (We’ll discuss more on that for another time).
Another character that’s sure to be a fan-favorite is Korg played by none other than Director Taika Waititi. Cleverly, the character does well at easing emotional dangerous moments with his funny dialogues. Fortunately, Marvel has plans to explore the side character as well.
In entirety, the film gives the audience everything except a good ol’ action sequence, something in the lines of Captain America: Civil War’s airport battle scene. The gladiator Hulk and Thor’s fight of the century may have been the main event but its brutality was toned down to keep its ‘fun’ element intact.
I rate the film: 8/10
