THOR: RAGNAROK Review - Marvel's Latest Is A Blast From Start To Finish, But May Be Too Light-Hearted For Some

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...

Review Opinion
By MarkCassidy - Oct 19, 2017 09:10 AM EST
Filed Under: Thor: Ragnarok
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.


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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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TheFurious
TheFurious - 10/19/2017, 9:02 AM
Firs!!!!!
JonC
JonC - 10/19/2017, 10:06 AM
@TheFurious - t
JonC
JonC - 10/19/2017, 10:16 AM
@TheFurious - Oh, and to the dismay of some, trending at 100% for 30 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes for critics.
Pantherpool
Pantherpool - 10/19/2017, 9:04 AM
Too light?

BringFFtoMCU
BringFFtoMCU - 10/19/2017, 9:05 AM
People that complain about humor would also complain if it were too serious. Marvel has had a few missteps in the past, but overall...their movies are a blast to watch. When I go to see Thor in a couple of weeks, I want to be smiling he whole time. It's supposed to be fun!

Not everything has to be dark and gritty.
BlackPhillip
BlackPhillip - 10/19/2017, 9:12 AM
@BringFFtoMCU - Then don't title it 'Ragnarok'.
Forthas
Forthas - 10/19/2017, 9:07 AM
I knew it...I will probably like it...not love it!
LEVITIKUZ
LEVITIKUZ - 10/19/2017, 9:08 AM
Imagine thinking a Taika Waititi film would be dark with no jokes & fun...

If people are mad at the lightheartedness, it was always going to be there
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 10/19/2017, 9:10 AM
@LEVITIKUZ - Why does it have to be one extreme or the other?
Kman
Kman - 10/19/2017, 10:00 AM
@RorMachine - the question of the decade Id say... in so many ways
newmutantsRETURNS
newmutantsRETURNS - 10/19/2017, 9:08 AM
A Ragnarok film that's full blown comedy? lol.....ill wait for the bluray
LoganMjolnir
LoganMjolnir - 10/19/2017, 9:24 AM
@newmutantsRETURNS - This is nonsense... why would you colect a blu ray movie if you don't expect any of it. Also, a blu ray movie costs way more than a ticket for the theaters.
BatesMT
BatesMT - 10/19/2017, 10:12 AM
@newmutantsRETURNS - So you'll support the film by paying more for it later?
Doomsday8888
Doomsday8888 - 10/19/2017, 9:08 AM
I really expect Ragnarok to be better than GotG V2...or at least i hope i'll like it more than that movie...
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