Thor: Ragnarok
Released 11/3/17
Well, moviegoers, we've almost come to the finish line in what has been an unprecedented year for the release of films from the superhero genre. And, we still haven't gotten to the annual Star Wars release. Think about that for a moment. This week sees the release of Marvel Studios' third entry this year which, coincidentally, is the third film in this character's sub-franchise, as Thor: Ragnarok "hammers" its way into theaters (uuuggghhh, I even hate myself for that one).
Thor, the Norse God of Thunder, has given comic book fans hammer-swinging heroics since the 1960s. I have to admit, I was a latecomer when it came to appreciating the character. I didn't really become a fan until I was well into adulthood. What I grew to like about Thor was that he represented a kind of anti-Superman to me. He's an immensely powerful being that somehow seemed to always get put through his paces against many of his foes. As strong as he was, he really had to "earn" his wins which made his final triumphs all the more satisfying. That's also led to some frustration for me as well, as he doesn't seem to get a ton of respect in the industry. Honestly, it seems every hero-to-hero fight he's involved in on the printed page or through animated simulation, he gets his clock cleaned. So, I say all of this to tell you I've been a bit disappointed overall with Marvel Studios' Thor franchise. Back in 2011, I thought, "At last! Now maybe the masses can love this character as I've come to." Unfortunately, the first two chapters of his saga, while passable, haven't given us what I call the "definitive Thor."
For the Thunder God's third go-round, director, Taika Waititi, has added a different flavor to the mix. While there have always been humorous moments in this series, Waititi decided to really test the Asgardian's funny bone here by making Ragnarok a sort of buddy action-comedy. It seemed a little odd considering the name of this chapter is "Ragnarok." But, the director did have nice cast to work with which is always half the battle. Ragnarok features returning favorites Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, and Tom Hiddleston, as well as, sprinkling in the new faces Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Karl Urban, and Tessa Thompson. Okay, now that the preliminaries are out of the way, READY...SET...REVIEW!
Failing in his quest to locate the remaining Infinity Stones, we find Thor as the "honored guest" of the fire demon, Surtur, approximately two years after the events of Age of Ultron. After extricating himself from his "host" and learning of the prophesied Ragnarok (the destruction of the Asgardians), he returns home to find his mischievous foster brother, Loki, masquerading as their father, Odin. As events unfold, the Odinson clashes with a new villainess (Hela) who arrives on the scene who has shocking ties to the royal family and becomes reunited with a certain green teammate when he's forced to become a gladiator on a distant planet. It all leads to a terrible revelation Thor must accept if he has any hope of saving his people. Oh, and there's a tough-as-nails ex-Valkyrie thrown into the mix for good measure.
Let's start with the good here. Like just about every other Marvel Studios feature, the special effects are second to none. I've seen few more beautiful shots than the army of Valkyries riding their winged steeds into battle against Hela. The work on Surtur was impressive, too. The best thing? He wasn't turned into something stupid like a puff of smoke. That's right, I have not forgiven those behind Rise of the Silver Surfer for Galactus! This is one all-powerful monster that looked like he stepped straight out of a Thor comic book.
One aspect that made me almost jump out of my chair and say, "FINALLY", was the realization that Thor is the God of Thunder with or WITHOUT his trusty hammer, Mjolnir. For far too long it seems the myth that the hammer is the source of his power has been alive and well. Even Odin made the statement in the first Thor "I take your power" when he snatches Mjolnir. The hammer is an enhancement of his power. It can focus it. It's not the source.
One thing you can clearly see throughout is Chris Hemsworth seems to be having a blast with this iteration of Thor. He has impeccable comedic timing which isn't an easy thing have a grasp on. We've seen it in the Vacation and the Ghostbusters reboots. He was one of the best elements of both movies despite what you might have thought of them overall, and, he seems to have a knack for silliness. Ironically, that brings me to my next point.
Thor: Ragnarok is a good movie. But, it would have been a very good movie for a different character. As comfortable as the cast is with the comedic elements of this film, it just didn't feel like Thor to me. This is Ragnarok. The twilight of the Asgardians. It's an event that should be epic in its own right like Civil War was in 2016. But, the constant silliness lessened the impact of what this should have been. Hela kills a lot of Asgardians and those scenes were exquisite and powerful. Now, cut to Thor and Hulk trading quips. Or, how about Thor and Loki being cute with each other? Kind of takes something away from the dire nature of the events taking place. Don't misunderstand. I'm not saying the whole endeavor should be a dour experience. Then you would have Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. But, if there was ever a time for a Marvel film to be heavy, this would have been it. Especially considering the choice Thor has to ultimately make regarding Asgard's fate.
Another thing I found somewhat odd. Could a monarch as powerful as Odin have had a more ignominious end? Seriously, think about this. He's deposed at the end of Thor: The Dark World by Loki (still not completely sure what went down there). Loki puts him in an old folks home on Earth. He wanders off to Norway. Then he leaves unleashing the greatest evil Asgard has ever known for his kids to clean up. Again, weird and undignified. At least Yoda got a proper deathbed. Does the Lord of Asgard deserve any less?
On a minor note, what happened to Sif? I leave it open to the possibility that I may have missed something here, but, was she even mentioned? I never saw her in the film. Was Jamie Alexander not available? I realize she was a supporting character, but, she was at least as significant as the Warriors Three (Fandral, Hogan, and Volstagg) and they were at least around all of 30 seconds. She's a significant part of the Thor mythos. She should have been there.
I'll tell you who wasn't there that I'm absolutely ecstatic about. Ragnarok was gloriously devoid of human characters (unless you count the Hulk or the delightful lunacy of the Doctor Strange cameo). More than anything else, it was the Jane Fosters, Darcys, and Dr. Solvegs, of the Thor universe that made the first two chapters not what they should have been. So, three points to Waititi for addition by subtraction. Kind of think Ragnarok would have been greater without Jeff Goldblum's Grandmaster, too, to be honest. His creepy weirdness front and center was a bit of a misstep in casting for me.
Let me reiterate. I liked Ragnarok, but, not so much as a Thor movie. This would have been a perfect tone for something say, in the vain of Guardians of the Galaxy. Of course I realize that I'm probably being an old comic book curmudgeon about this because the press on the movie has been outstanding. I also understand that this series may not be made with someone like me in mind as Thor was not a household name before 2011. But, the best Thor stories that I've known in my life have a certain regal, epic quality that I have yet to see from this series. Another reason Ragnarok didn't completely resonate with me? This felt more like a sneaky Hulk movie than it should have. The whole act on Sakaar was straight out of the Planet Hulk comic story from 2006. Again. Good story. For the Hulk. But, you can't just sprinkle a few Asgardians in and say it's Thor either. The Thor story I wanted to see more was the actual Avengers Disassembled arc from earlier in the millennium when Ragnarok actually felt like Ragnarok. There were feelings of loss, sacrifice, nobility, and maybe Thor's greatest triumph on display. Thor ultimately came to the same conclusion in that story as he did onscreen. But, the comic story made you think, "Wow, that really happened." This one makes you think, "Wait, how did Battlestar Galactica become part of this?"
On a final note, I hope the ending of Ragnarok is extrapolated into the "King Thor" story in the next phase of Marvel movies (provided Thor survives Infinity War). How off the wall would it be to see the Odinson as the next big bad in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? If you're not familiar with it, I would suggest finding that story in a graphic novel if you can. Needs to happen. Kevin Feige, I'm available. Let's talk.
I don't even know if I need to do this, but, as a PSA, there's one mid-credit scene (the important one) and an end credit scene (an inconsequential one). Honestly, if you have to be told this when you're watching a Marvel Studios movie, then hang your head in shame. I have a strong suspicion that the mid-credit one plays a role in the Infinity War.
And, if you haven't guessed, I still don't believe we've seen the definitive Thor onscreen yet.
The Dark Lord of the Sith says:
*** stars
Ratings Legend*= Don't waste your time. Pure dreck! Dreck is too good for this! Blind me please!
1 *= Fuggedaboutit!
2 *= Average, Mediocre, Nothing Special
3 *= Worth a look. Better than a poke in the eye.
4 *= Great. I'm doing my happy dance!
5 *= Pure eye candy. I have seen the top of the mountain, and it is good
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