Sunday, November 05, 2017

Thor – Ragnarok Review: Marvel’s emphasis on moments over script will hurt them

There is a scene in the movie where Thor and Hulk try to identify themselves onboard the Quinjet with the word “Strongest Avenger”. I think henceforth The Hulk must be called the “Funniest Avenger”. It was funny when The Hulk smashed Loki like washing clothes in the Avengers. It is funnier when he does the same to Thor but it does begs the question, is Marvel looking to create more moments than a gripping and engaging script. It’s funny and some of the 3D work is stunning but if Marvel continue to make laughing stock out of their super heroes then The Infinity Wars will not be a landmark as it is supposed to be.

Thor Ragnarok is an extravagant journey from start to finish about the prophecy that destroys Asgard. Thor’s elder sister Hela, the goddess of death comes back to extract revenge on her father who banished her and literally covered up all her traces under the Odin treasure room. On top of that Odin is missing and Loki is blamed for it. That itself is a compelling plot with a lot of family history and two of the greatest actors of our generation in Anthony Hopkins (Odin) and Kate Blanchett (Hela) with a potential face off that could have become a signature moment, not just in the movie but also in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with Odin’s dark side to the fore and establishing Hela as a villain with a cause. But what should have been compelling storytelling turned into moments that stands out here and there but stitch them together and it becomes a dud.

Chris Hemsworth seems to grow into the character of Thor but it takes the character’s depth away when he decided to play it with a comic undertone especially after the death of his father, a vengeful sister and the prophecy to wipe out Asgard for good. Tom Hiddleston is brilliant as usual as Loki. His character has so many shades to it that it’s hard to imagine anyone doing it better than the Brit. I think the reason why Cate Blanchett decided to play Hela is that she wanted to have some fun. This double Oscar winner never seems to break a sweat and sweeps the role with ease. Anthony Hopkins seems to be at ease as Odin, so is idris Elba as Heimdall. Jeff Goldblum has made the Grandmaster character his own, pouring his unique style into the role. Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk feels like there is more to the character than just an enraged monster. Tessa Thompson is a refreshing addition to the MCU as the badass Valkyrie while Karl Urban does what is required of Skurge. There are delightful cameos from Benedict Cumberbatch, Sam Neil, Luke Hemsworth and Matt Damon who is making it a habit of surprising cameos after Interstellar.


It remains to be seen what the MCU is trying to achieve with this not so serious treatment of an otherwise engaging story. Taika Waititi, the New Zealand director has sprinkled the movie with special and memorable moments. I thought Doctor Strange was refreshing and the next step in the MCU but this I feel, although refreshing in other ways, does not suit the heavy core of the movie. But stunning visuals and delightful performances will make Thor: Ragnarok a must watch and Marvel fans will watch it out of habit and for continuity since 2008’s Iron man if not for anything else.