The third feature in the Thor franchise, 2017’s Ragnarok, directed by New Zealander Taika Waititi (the talented filmmaker behind the comedic horror mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows), is like a well buttered (as in oiled) popcorn flick (of a machine). . . an entertaining, humorous, action-packed sci-fi extravaganza that does not take itself too seriously, all while showing an impressive amount of ingenuity and creativity for a multi-film Marvel saga.
With three movies in this particular series (as well as several other mash-ups within the ever growing Marvel Universe), these actors, who we have known for some time, have grown into their respective parts, feeling fully meshed with their onscreen personas. Through the writing of Eric Pearson, Craig Kyle, and Christopher Yost, as well as by way of the flowing direction of Waititi, the comedy is so smooth in Ragnarok that it feels as if we are watching a well-seasoned vaudeville act hitting every mark as they try to explain exactly ‘who’s on first?’ It is a very different tone that works, meshing with recent excursions in The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
In many ways a departure for the franchise, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself enchained by a devilish demon named Surtur (Clancy Brown) who continues to spout prophecy about the end of the God’s realm of Asgard as the narrative opens. Following a rather comedic chat, the action sequence is developed around Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song”, beautifully synched, it is an epically fitting tune (which sites Norse mythology) that in many ways highlights the saga to come. . . for instance, “So now you’d better stop and rebuild all the ruins. For peace and trust can win the day despite of all your losing”.
Without giving too much away, Thor, along with his wily trickster of a brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), find themselves, by way of unexpected circumstances, meeting their unknown eldest sister, Hela (Cate Blanchett) – a violent, war-mongering dame who helped her father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) divide and conquer prior to being locked up after he had a change of heart.
Besting her less-than-dear younger brothers, they find themselves transported to a strange garbage-strewn land that is said to be inescapable. Led by a quirky dictator, Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum), the man uses his position to run giant gladiatorial-style battles between the universe’s grandest champions. . . placing the God of Thunder up against the despot’s undefeated favourite, The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).
Eventually forming a ragtag team to save Asgard, Thor must trust his never-very-trustworthy brother, the Jekyll/Hyde Bruce Banner, a drunken female warrior of the Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) who once fought Hela long ago, and a crumbling rock fighter named Korg (director Taika Waititi) who had attempted to form a rebellion before (though failed due to a lack of pamphlet distribution), a rather unusual union to be sure. . . and, a gang that in many ways resembles another Marvel group, The Guardians of the Galaxy. Who will win this epic battle that will change Asgard forever more?
Packed with entertaining characters, Idris Elba returns as Heimdall, a loyal insider who aids the people of Asgard against their murder-happy new Queen. Karl Urban, another Asgardian named Skurge, is a survivalist who flows with the current that best suits his chances in the coming war. Benedict Cumberbatch returns as Doctor Strange in a small part that, nonetheless, pushes the story forward and adds some nice touches of comedy. And, in one of the more unexpected twists, there is an entertaining cameo from a triumvirate consisting of Luke Hemsworth, Sam Neill and none other than Matt Damon. When combining the names mentioned above with Hemsworth’s richly comic performance (he has come a long way from the original feature), Ruffalo’s emotive take on The Hulk’s teen angst, Blanchett’s turn as a gothed up Jadis-like ruler, Goldblum’s ever entertaining deadpan diction, Hiddleston’s smarmy snake-charmer scoundrel, Thompson’s Valkyrie who is trying to forget her troubled past, and Waititi’s soft spoken, humorous spin on a gladiatorial warrior, you have something rather special. And let us not forget the gem that is Stan Lee, this time playing a maniacal barber.
Karl Urban, who plays Skurge in Thor: Ragnarok, with Filmizon.com’s Nikolai Adams
Though it is still just a popcorn flick, Thor: Ragnarok is a primo example, and so very much fun. Also, its message that a place is only as good as its people, and that it is not the location that matters, but rather those who populate it and give it its perspective and vision, is a message well worth remembering. So, ramble on to see this 2017 Marvel adventure to see how Thor and the others react when the levee breaks, and to discover who will win the battle of evermore.