By: Jonathan Pabico
Are you looking for a worthwhile film to watch during the cold, frigid weather? If you are, I suggest you watch Thor: Ragnarok. Taika Waititi (co-director of What We Do in the Shadows) crafts an entertaining sequel to Thor: The Dark World. Filled with relentless action, impressive performances, and well-executed humour, this film is not to be missed.
Through heart-pounding action, the film maintains an exhilarating rock ‘n’ roll vibe, especially with Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” playing during Thor’s hardcore fights at the movie’s start and end. The most epic action sequence is a brutal, gladiator fight between Thor and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). This fight is as intense as it is groundbreaking. Not since Captain America: Civil War have I seen such a satisfying battle between heroes.
Contrary to the film’s title, the story does not focus much on Ragnarok (the Asgardian end times). The film actually unravels into an action-comedy. Humourous, anti-climactic events and witty dialogue throughout the film’s many action scenes provide comic appeal in an otherwise serious story. Laugh-out-loud moments even ensue during Thor and Hulk’s gladiator fight, providing a light-heartedness that transforms their bout into an aesthetic balance of humour and action.
Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Tom Hiddleston as Loki deliver amusing, confident performances. Portraying the famous Norse brother-god duo for the third time, Hemsworth and Hiddleston provide an energetic bravado and the occasional bit of semi-slapstick comedy. Hemsworth’s chemistry with Hiddleston is as strong as ever, enabling them to dive deeper into the complicated relationship between Thor and Loki. It’s not just about family drama though, as the narrative structure’s fast-paced style continues to pull us back into the fun atmosphere that the film strives to keep up.
The other actors in the film also have impressive chemistry with Hemsworth. Newcomer Tessa Thompson’s portrayal of Valkyrie as a tough but apathetic warrior creates a compelling foil with Hemsworth’s performance of Thor as an optimistic hero. Ruffalo, who returns as Bruce Banner — the Hulk — creates a hilarious, dysfunctional social dynamic with Hemsworth.
Cate Blanchett is viciously good as main villain Hela, the goddess of death. She portrays Hela as a dreadful megalomaniac and warmonger. Blanchett’s performance brings an overwhelming ferocity to her character. She raises the bar for the kind of power we can expect from a supervillain, especially in the scene (shown extensively in trailers) where Blanchett as Hela destroys Thor’s hammer with ease.
A special treat in the film is Doctor Strange’s cameo, and Benedict Cumberbatch makes a captivating appearance. Strange’s encounter with Thor is layered with banter and awkwardness that is genuinely funny. This iconic moment between these two legendary Marvel characters sets the tone for the highly anticipated Avengers: Infinity War movie coming out in 2018.
With stylized action, impressive performances, and high-quality humor, Taika Waititi’s film is a must-see superhero adventure that just might be the best instalment in the Thor franchise.
