Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – Review

Overview:

• Director: Taika Waititi
• Producer: Kevin Feige
• Studio: Marvel Studios
• Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
• Release Date: November 3, 2017
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Superhero
• Runtime: 130 minutes
• Rating: PG-13
• Cast:
  • Chris Hemsworth as Thor
  • Tom Hiddleston as Loki
  • Cate Blanchett as Hela
  • Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner / Hulk
  • Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie
  • Jeff Goldblum as Grandmaster
  • Karl Urban as Skurge
  • Anthony Hopkins as Odin

Plot Synopsis:

In Thor: Ragnarok, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself imprisoned on the alien planet Sakaar after being separated from his hammer, Mjolnir. He quickly learns that he must face the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) in a gladiatorial contest to survive. Unbeknownst to him, his home, Asgard, is under threat from his powerful sister, Hela (Cate Blanchett), the Goddess of Death, who is determined to claim the throne and unleash a reign of destruction.

With the help of Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), and his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor must escape Sakaar, rally his allies, and return to Asgard to stop Hela’s destructive plan. Along the way, Thor grapples with his identity as a god, his sense of responsibility to Asgard, and his ever-complicated relationship with his family.

Themes:

1. Family and Loyalty:
   A central theme of Thor: Ragnarok is the complex dynamics between Thor, Loki, and Hela. The movie explores the idea of family loyalty and betrayal, with Thor and Loki’s sibling rivalry taking center stage. Thor’s bond with his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), is also crucial, particularly in terms of understanding his true role as ruler of Asgard.
2. Identity and Destiny:
   Thor’s journey in Ragnarok is about finding his true self. Stripped of his hammer and forced to fight in the arena, Thor discovers that his strength doesn’t come from his weapon but from within. The theme of identity is explored as he comes to terms with his responsibilities as a leader, both as a son of Odin and as a protector of Asgard.
3. Destruction and Rebirth:
   Ragnarok, as referenced in the title, refers to the Norse mythological event marking the end of the gods. In the film, it becomes a symbol of both destruction and renewal. Asgard faces its greatest threat, and Thor realizes that the end of his home might be the beginning of something greater. The theme of rebirth is symbolized by the destruction of Asgard and the emergence of a new era for its people.
4. Humor and Lightheartedness:
   Under the direction of Taika Waititi, Thor: Ragnarok introduces a distinct comedic tone that was a departure from the darker, more serious tone of previous Thor films. The humor plays an integral role in the film’s appeal, using quirkiness, colorful characters, and quick-witted dialogue to balance out the larger-than-life action sequences.

Characters:

1. Thor (Chris Hemsworth):
   Thor’s arc in Ragnarok is one of personal growth. He starts the film as the mighty god of thunder but quickly learns that his identity and strength are not tied to his hammer. The film showcases a more playful and humorous side of Thor while also allowing the character to mature into a wise and capable leader who must face the destruction of his home.
2. Loki (Tom Hiddleston):
   Loki, Thor’s brother and long-time antagonist, plays a crucial role in the story. His relationship with Thor continues to evolve throughout the movie, shifting from rivalry to uneasy alliance. Loki’s charm and wit remain at the forefront, though his deeper emotional layers are explored as the film delves into the brothers’ past.
3. Hela (Cate Blanchett):
   Cate Blanchett’s performance as Hela, the Goddess of Death, is both commanding and menacing. Hela is a powerful and vengeful character who seeks to conquer Asgard and lead it into a new era of darkness. Her motivations are driven by feelings of abandonment and resentment towards her father, Odin. As the film’s primary antagonist, she poses a real threat to Thor and his allies.
4. Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson):
   Valkyrie is a fierce warrior with a tragic past. Played by Tessa Thompson, she is one of the standout characters in Thor: Ragnarok. Initially introduced as a bounty hunter on Sakaar, Valkyrie is revealed to be a former Asgardian warrior who once fought for Odin. Her character is both strong and vulnerable, making her one of the most dynamic additions to the Thor universe.
5. Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum):
   Jeff Goldblum brings a unique charm to his role as the eccentric and unpredictable Grandmaster. The ruler of Sakaar, he enjoys watching gladiatorial combat and has a chaotic, almost childlike quality. His interactions with Thor and his companions provide much of the film’s humor.
6. Hulk/Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo):
   The Hulk makes a significant return in Thor: Ragnarok, and his interactions with Thor are some of the film’s most memorable moments. The film explores the tension between Bruce Banner and the Hulk, showing the duality of the character. The Hulk’s role in the gladiator arena adds a fun, action-packed element to the story, while Banner’s character is given more depth in his relationship with Thor.

Visuals and Special Effects:

Thor: Ragnarok is a visual spectacle, thanks to the vibrant color palette, imaginative designs, and dazzling special effects. The film’s aesthetic, heavily influenced by 1970s sci-fi and fantasy, provides a striking contrast to the more grounded look of previous Thor films. Sakaar, in particular, is a kaleidoscopic world filled with strange architecture and bizarre creatures. The action sequences are fast-paced and energetic, with epic battles between Thor, Hulk, and Hela that are beautifully choreographed.

The film also incorporates a sense of whimsical, almost psychedelic art design, which is amplified by the use of bold colors and imaginative set pieces. This aesthetic helps to capture the playful tone of the film while ensuring the action feels epic and otherworldly.

Humor and Tone:

One of the most notable aspects of Thor: Ragnarok is its sense of humor. Director Taika Waititi brings his signature comedic style to the film, injecting it with irreverence, wit, and light-hearted moments. Thor’s banter with the Hulk, the hilarious introductions to Sakaar, and the overall tone make this installment feel like a fresh departure from the more serious Marvel films.

Waititi’s influence is also seen in the offbeat moments and character-driven humor, particularly with characters like Korg (played by Waititi himself), who adds a quirky and endearing touch to the story. The humor never undercuts the stakes, but it makes the film feel more accessible and fun.

Reception:

Thor: Ragnarok was widely praised by critics and audiences alike for its refreshing change in tone and its ability to balance humor with high-stakes action. The film was lauded for its colorful visuals, witty script, and excellent performances, particularly from Hemsworth, Hiddleston, Blanchett, and Thompson. Many noted that it revitalized the Thor franchise, making it one of the more enjoyable entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Verdict:

Thor: Ragnarok is a triumphant, fun-filled ride that successfully combines humor, action, and heart. It breathes new life into the Thor franchise, taking it in a bold, new direction that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally satisfying. With a strong cast, vibrant world-building, and a memorable soundtrack, Ragnarok delivers one of the most entertaining superhero films of the decade.

Rating: 9/10
Recommended for: Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, those seeking a humorous take on Norse mythology, and anyone who enjoys a blend of action, humor, and heart in their superhero films.