Minor spoilers ahead
I went into Thor Ragnarok with tempered expectations. The trailers looked good to me. There were quite a few funny bits in the trailer. It got me to thinking that this might be one of those films where the best parts are used in the trailer and the rest of the film is dull. Thankfully, Thor Ragnarok is not one of those films. It is a humorous, action-packed, throw-back flavored film. I particularly liked the retro theme that heavily influenced this film.
We are introduced to Thor Ragnarok with a discussion Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is having with a skeleton. Thor is bound in chains, suspended from a cage. Within minutes, the first of many heavily CGI influenced action sequences is on full display. Thor is battling Ragnarok and his minions in a lava-like world. Thor barely escapes, transported to an Asgard that looks a bit different than the one he last visited. It appears Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has had the run of the place. And the changes have not necessarily been for the better. Fast forward a bit, Odin is gone and their sinister sister, Hela (Cate Blanchett) is bent on conquering the universe. Before stopping Hela, the estranged brothers must first escape a bizarre planet called Saakar, ruled by the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). With the help of Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), a former Asgardian Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and a deadpan rock creature with a New Zealand accent. With the universe hanging in the balance, brothers must put their differences aside and work together to restore order and protect their people.
I was expecting a thin plot, some decent dialogue and awesome graphic effects when I arrived at the theater. Instead, I was treated to a decent (although predictable) plot, great dialogue, incredible humor and excellent CGI. The look and feel of this movie was greatly enhanced with the incredible retro feel. It didn't look old retro, it looked shiny new. But the flavor was throwback. Bright colors, weird color combinations, unusual lighting effects and a cool soundtrack for us old folks in the audience. There is nothing like a bit of Zeppelin to warm you up for a fight sequence. Most of the soundtrack was created by Mark Mothersbaugh. The soundtrack added the right mood for this film. The film also had some great Easter eggs. Matt Damon with an awesome cameo, a splash of Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), the obligatory Stan Lee cameo and other treats for the fanboys in the audience.
I like the cast of this film. I like Ruffalo, Hemsworth is Thor, Hiddleston seems to relish the role of Loki and Goldblum adds a strangeness that was perfect for the Grandmaster. But Blanchett was the highlight of this film for me. First, she was smoking hot. She may be close to fifty, but she is still a godess to me. Who better to play a godess queen in this film. Her credibility gave her villain a bit of depth. Black and green suits her. I hope she shows up on the red carpet wearing black and green as a nod to this character. That evil look she has is subtle but effective. I was enamored and frightened of her at the same time. Good, powerful stuff from the veteran. The rest of the cast was excellent, but my other favorite would have to be the rock creature. His deadpan commentary was just great dialogue. Director Taika Waititi is from New Zealand, so that may explain the injection of deadpan into the film (he voiced the creature, called Korg). Great work.
Thor Ragnarok has the type of polish that one would expect from a 180 million dollar film. Big budget films often don't deliver as much story as action, but this film manages both. It is likely to make the studio a ton of money. This 130 minute film, shot primarily in Australia, received a PG-13 rating from the MPAA. Violence is the primary reason for this rating. There are plenty of battle scenes and talk of death. Some of the imagery is likely to induce nightmares in young viewers. There is nothing particularly offensive for younger audiences, but if your kids are prone to nightmares, it may save later headache to find a babysitter. This film is worth seeing in the theater.
I saw Thor Ragnarok in standard format. I am not sure how much this film would benefit from 3-D, but I have a feeling it would be awesome in IMax. If you have the opportunity to see it in IMax, take it. The film will be fine if you wait for it on streaming, but seeing a film like this at the theater is definitely a treat. The acting was rock solid, the dialogue exceptional, the storyline acceptable, the action heart-pulsing, the pacing steady. I don't know whose idea it was to add a retro flair to this film, but it was a good decision. The film had a distinct look and feel that sets it apart from the others in the franchise. It did not feel gimmicky to me. It was refreshing to see an action film with modern effects but a throwback look. This film was put together well. For 180 million, it should be. But we all know that is not always the case. See this one in the theater if you get the chance. 8/10.
