I'll lay this out first and foremost, I'm not a fan of superhero movies in general. Not a fan of comics, their generally shallow protagonists and one sided "villains". But hey, the genre is for kids and those young at heart and you really don't need to add complications to evil and darkness when it comes to saving the universe yes?
I was able to get a sneak preview of the movie before it's main release in my Country, and probably yours as well so i'll tag you with spoilers so you don't have to worry about them.
Thor Ragnarok, the third installment of Thor's Universe and the 17th film of the MCU, I must say, is probably one of the best to date. I'd say it's the best out of the Thor/Asgard series and probably a close second the the Avengers series while being able to hold on its own against other origin back stories.
Here's my take:
#1 It's light, warm and funny
Even the movie's poster is on a whole different wavelength compared to the previous two.
Thor over the three installments
The colors, the vibe that Thor: Ragnarok gives is just so welcoming and appealing, and true enough, the movie delivers in all it's punchlines(humor is subjective but this one it hits home for me, well most of it) its gags are just pure entertainment and fun for everyone. It's very light despite it's long running time, thanks to it's array of stars that the MCU can expend continuously refreshing the screen.
The jokes, oh, I can't get enough. The movie is littered with them, it's a formula Marvel has used extensively in it's recent films, particularly Guardians of the Galaxy 2, but while Guardians was bordering corny and cheap, Ragnarok's jokes and gags are well thought of and while predictable and cliche, can still give you the laugh of the night. I won't say anymore so as not to spoil you but I can confidently say that this is the funniest Marvel movie to date.
Heck, I'd mistake this for a Disney animated film if not for the word Orgy being mentioned.
#2 It's Long at 130 minutes run time and that's alright
You thread a thin line between dragging and getting your money's worth on screen with long run times but in this case, Thor: Ragnarok hits it just about right. I watched this while i was freakin sick on a last show screening at 9:00PM and not once did I yawn.
The plot engages you(loopholes aside) keeps you on your toes and doesn't drag it's feet. It's a long story compressed in 130 minutes and not a short one extended and watered down to 130 minutes. It has an overarching arch, which is the main conflict in the movie, then there are subplots that thor must overcome all while things are going to shit. It gives the movie a busy vibe, cutting from one conflict to the other, makes it appear less linear even though it is.
When everything converges in the climax, well, just hope you still have some popcorn left.
#3 Thor has matured
I'm not talking about Chris Hemsworth's acting chops, but Thor as in Marvel's Thor since 2011. Which kinda explains why this movie has a different tone compared to the previous two (either a Marketing/Producers decision or a Thor simply changed within the universe) Thor matured into a team player, a social butterfly and somewhat of a leader all thanks to the Avengers and the members there that influenced him.
Gone are the all to serious, Thunderous voiced Thor, and in with the new. This is Thor appearing in his 5th movie, and so much has changed that we can finally see him at it's best. A strong, funny, and, honorable superhero.
A good marketing move actually, He's got the looks for the ladies, he's going to be every kid's superhero, and he's got the coolness and swag that can even rival Ironman's appeal.
#4 OST Song choice is superb.
The soundtrack's got a retro vibe to it, music inspired from electronic music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. This fits well with the older generation, nostalgia is a strong marketing tool. It's also a way to keep things fresh, especially for younger audiences.
The main song, "Immigrant song" by Led Zeppelin, from the trailer and the movie is actually a hint to the movie's plot as well. I had a big grin after realizing why it was chosen.
#5 It's a visual CGI Spectacle
We usually have bad impressions of CGI. The real thing always stand through the test of time, creating classics, CGI however, ages fast and looking at CGI heavy movies of the past looks silly with the technology we have now. We're spoiled, and will continue to be spoiled as rendering animations become more intricate. So enjoy Ragnarok now while we still can, I can't assure that it will be the best movie visuals wise down the line, but it is the best one to date.
You won't get dizzy looking at all those high speed encounters and dazzling lights display. Yes, the fights scenes could've been more elaborate, better choreographed not to mention longer but the CGI was enough to hide that flaw. Hulk was at it's best CGI Form, Hela's shape shifting hair was a joy to watch, not to mention her superpower and blades, Thors thunderous powers are all beautifully rendered and seamlessly blends into the movie.
I'd recommend you watch this movie on the big screen when you can :) it's that type of film where you'd appreciate its epic and grandiose storytelling on loud cinema speakers and ambiance.
As superhero movies go, this is a gem.
Photo links:
http://marvel.com/movies/movie/222/thor_ragnarok