THOR RAGNAROK Review — It's Hammer Time
THOR RAGNAROK Review — Is it worth the gazillions it’s sure to make? Yes, YES, OH YES!
In Norse mythology, “Ragnarok” is the equivalent of Armageddon for Thor, Loki, Oden and the rest of the inhabitants of Asgard. Basically, they go to war with horrible monsters who prevail, and then the former gods slink off into the toxic sunset, never to be worshipped again.
So how in heaven’s name are filmmakers going to make an end of days movie without terminating this super successful super hero franchise? Enquiring minds want to know. Isn’t there another Avengers movie coming out next year? And isn’t Thor (Chris Hemsworth) listed on the cast roster?
As if finding the answer to that quandary alone isn’t enough reason to go see the latest Marvel epic, Thor Ragnarok, consider the fact that the film is outrageously entertaining. There is no gloomy, morose introspection here — no angst or self doubt. Thor is vain, jolly, good natured and packs a punch, although he’s not invincible. Let’s face it, he’s just plain fun.
Take the whimsy of Guardians of the Galaxy and mix it with the self deprecating humor of Deadpool, subtract the naughtiness of the latter, and you pretty much have Thor: Ragnarok— fun for the whole family. You can thank Kiwi director Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilder People, What We Do in the Shadows) for much of the light touch.
And, without giving away any spoilers, let’s just say the plot detours substantially from traditional Norse myth, but not from the Thor mythology created for the comics. The essence of Ragnarok has Thor attempting to convince Loki and the Hulk to team up with him to fight the evil Hela (Cate Blanchett, looking like she’s having the time of her life), who is intent on destroying Asgard, Middlegard and the world as they’ve known it.
It’s so refreshing to see big, firey, explosive battle scenes taking place nowhere near New York City. It’s also refreshing, yet a little disturbing at the same time, to see Thor with his lovely locks shorn–just wait until you get a load of the barber!
While I can’t say that Thor: Ragnarok revives the whole superhero genre, because Wonder Woman did that earlier this year, I can say that it’s a welcome addition. It’s projected to open in the $100-110 million range from 4,080 screens the weekend of Nov. 3rd, and I think it merits ever penny.
Rated PG-13
2 Hours 10 Minutes
Get times and tickets at Fandango.com
THOR RAGNAROK Review — Is it worth the gazillions it’s sure to make? Yes, YES, OH YES!
by Lisa Johnson Mandell
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