THOR: RAGNAROK Review - Marvel's Latest Is A Blast From Start To Finish, But May Be Too Light-Hearted For Some
Following some positive early reactions, the review embargo on Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok has finally lifted. What did we make of Chris Hemsworth's latest solo outing as The God of Thunder? Find out here...
If you're of the opinion that Marvel movies have become a little too reliant on humor over the years, you're probably going to have a problem with Thor: Ragnarok. While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was also gag-a-minute, James Gunn's film ensured we had some heavy emotional moments to balance things out. The Thor threequel doesn't really go down that route, and what we are left with is, basically, an out-and-out comedy.
Of course, if that's what you happen to be in the market for then you'll be very happy - but a lot of fans go into these type of movies hoping for a smattering of drama with their chuckles, and in that regard (one touching scene early on aside), Ragnarok is lacking.
This is not to suggest for one minute that Taika Waititi hasn't put together a damn entertaining movie. On the contrary - taken for what it is, Thor: Ragnarok might well be Marvel's most purely enjoyable outing yet. While the jokes are relentless, a good majority of them land, and there are several laugh-out-loud moments that thankfully haven't been spoiled in the trailers.
Chris Hemsworth is finally given the chance to showcase the superb comic timing that was evident in those recent Marvel shorts and the Ghostbusters reboot, and he's backed up by an on-form Tom Hiddleston as the returning Loki, and Mark Ruffalo's always-excellent Bruce Banner/Hulk. Of the new recruits, Jeff Goldblum is a riot as The Grandmaster, and Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie threatens to walk away with the whole movie, fireworks exploding as she struts.
Unfortunately, those hoping that Hela would finally give us another memorable Marvel villain may be in for a disappointment. Cate Blanchett looks fantastic and does all she can with the material, chewing the scenery with aplomb - but the character is simply another underwritten plot device that exists with the sole purpose of giving the hero something to punch. Likewise, Karl Urban's Skurge never really makes an impact, and is quickly reduced to henchman status.
As far as the action goes, the set pieces are all top-notch and are accompanied by an awesome '80s throwback soundtrack. Anyone concerned that Waititi wouldn't get to add his own flourishes to this needn't be, as the What We do in The Shadows director's fingerprints are all over Ragnarok. And yes, Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song makes the cut.
Overall, Thor: Ragnarok is another win in the Marvel column. Though a little more intensity and some real stakes would have worked wonders, it's difficult to be too hard on a movie that keeps you laughing solidly for a couple of hours and results in you leave the theatre grinning like a fool.
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