Thor Ragnarok 2017 Review

Introduction (Warning Contains Spoilers)

With an extended version of Avengers: Endgame coming to cinemas this September, Marvel is attracting renewed attention.

Avengers: Doomsday is also scheduled to arrive in December. That gives us the perfect opportunity to continue revisiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

We are working through the Marvel films in chronological order. Our journey now takes us to 2017 and Thor: Ragnarok.

The film is the third solo adventure for Chris Hemsworth‘s Thor. It is also arguably the biggest reinvention of the character so far.

The previous Thor films had mixed tones and varying levels of success. This time, Marvel brought in director Taika Waititi.

His approach changed almost everything about the character’s world. The result is a film that combines superhero action with science fiction and comedy.

It is also one of the most visually distinctive films in the MCU. Chris Hemsworth returns as Thor. Tom Hiddleston returns as Loki.

Mark Ruffalo also appears as Bruce Banner and the Hulk. Cate Blanchett joins the cast as Hela.

Tessa Thompson plays Valkyrie. Jeff Goldblum appears as the eccentric Grandmaster. Karl Urban plays Skurge.

The story begins with Thor attempting to prevent Ragnarok. Ragnarok represents the destruction of Asgard.

Thor eventually returns home and discovers that Asgard faces an even greater threat. The goddess of death, Hela, claims her right to the throne.

Thor has lost his hammer and finds himself on Sakaar. He must fight the Hulk in a gladiatorial duel.

Also, Loki gets entangled in the developments happening on Asgard. So the film is characterized by multiple plot lines.

They are being told in parallel, from Sakaar and from Asgard. It could be very confusing. But the film keeps a remarkably coherent course.

The most obvious difference is its tone. Thor: Ragnarok is far more humorous than its predecessors.

Humour is present throughout the whole movie. It is in dialogue, in the characters, and in the situations described.

Yet, that is both the movie’s main strength and its potential problem. Humour makes Thor a better entertainment.

It provides Chris Hemsworth with the chance to demonstrate a new side. Nevertheless, at times, the jokes may undermine the seriousness of the scenes.

It is especially clear when the plot concerns the destruction of Asgard. The movie makes viewers care about the huge consequences.

But then it undercuts them with humour. For me, it works more often than not. The movie knows what kind of entertainment it wants to be.

It does not take itself too seriously. It embraces its comic-book origins. That confidence gives Thor: Ragnarok a distinctive personality.

Direction

There is no denying that Taika Waititi was an interesting choice to direct this movie. His directing style is quite easy to spot.

There is a lot of humor involved in this project. The director also makes the characters quite laid-back. It is especially true when it comes to Thor.

In previous movies, he was often shown as a stoic warrior. In this film, he is much more playful. It can be seen in Chris Hemsworth’s performance.

Thor teases other characters. He becomes more self-aware. He is also less worried about appearing invincible. It is clear that Waititi’s direction affects how viewers perceive the character.

It is one of the film’s biggest strengths. Another factor that adds to the comedy is that the characters are taken seriously.

Thor still faces great troubles. His father died. He lost his hammer. His planet is in danger. His sister is back.

Still, he is joking all the time. It makes for a bizarre yet hilarious combination. Thor and Loki’s dynamic is positively affected too.

Their relationship has always been quite complex. With Waititi, it becomes more humorous. However, they still have great affection for each other despite all the fighting.

This allows the relationship to have a deeper level than being purely comical. The introduction of Valkyrie means that Thor has another great character to play with.

Thompson adds confidence to her performance. She also adds a much more down-to-earth presence to the film.

Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk is another essential addition to the film. Hulk and Thor’s interactions give birth to the majority of funny scenes in the film.

Waititi knows how to use their conflicting personality traits. Thor talks non-stop. Hulk is much simpler than him.

As a result, the interaction of these two leads to many of the funniest moments in the film. Waititi also manages to create a unique atmosphere on Sakaar.

This planet is chaotic and colorful. It looks entirely different from Asgard. The set design features a cartoon-like appearance.

This is where the directorial style of Waititi shines brightly. The film resembles a colorful space adventure.

It is much closer to a cosmic comedy than a fantasy. However, this change has its downsides.

The Shakespearean influence, which characterized the previous Thor films directed by Kenneth Branagh, and Alan Taylor disappears from this film.

This is not necessarily a flaw. However, it might disappoint some people. Branagh gave Thor a theatrical feel.

Waititi replaces most of that with irreverence. The effect is that the movie is more appealing. It is also more funny.

At the same time, some mythology loses its dramatic element. The depiction of Ragnarok is a case in point.

Ragnarok should be a huge thing. However, the film depicts it using jokes. This can reduce the importance of the matter.

The action direction is good. The battles are dynamic. The fight between Thor and Hulk deserves a mention.

The fighting style of both characters is unique. The final battle provides plenty of spectacle. Waititi understands that the action must be entertaining.

He also understands when the comedy must come first. This approach is not always perfect.

Some jokes happen during scenes that could have been more emotional. Still, Waititi provides his movie with its own identity.

It is not just a generic sequel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is a Taika Waititi movie within the MCU. This is an important accomplishment.

Cinematography

Cinematography was done by Javier Aguirresarobe. The movie has an attractive visual style from start to finish.

There are bright colours used throughout the movie. Sakaar is full of bright colours. The planet is home to many bizarre creatures, massive buildings and strange technology.

Such a style easily differentiates it from previous Thor movies. Also, Asgard is shown differently. It is still as magnificent as ever.

But in this movie, it looks more vibrant than before. Such contrasting visuals help the audience distinguish the worlds in the movie.

The movie is great in its use of lighting. Bright neon lights can be seen in Sakaar. Such visuals make it look like science fiction rather than fantasy.

It complements the comical style of the movie. Characters also get the advantage of the visuals.

Visual style influences the way Thor looks in the movie. His armor becomes more realistic. His hair is different. He finally drops his famous hammer.

All these changes are visual evidence of his evolution. Cinematography contributes to the better readability of action scenes too. Thor and Hulk’s fight is easy to watch.

The camera captures their actions quite well. Slow-motion effects are also used in some action scenes. It makes the scenes more comic-book-like.

Wide shots are used in the final battle scene. The scale of the destruction becomes evident. The movie does not use only close-ups of the action.

Audiences can enjoy the environment as well. Visual effects and cinematography go hand-in-hand.

However, there are times when the visuals become too excessive. There are massive amounts of color and movements.

It is appropriate for the genre. Nevertheless, it may diminish the effect of some images. Still, the movie looks stunning.

It can be considered one of the most distinct MCU movies. The idea of retro science fiction aesthetics is successfully realized. It is achieved through cinematography.

Visual Effects

The visual effects used in Thor: Ragnarok are very ambitious. There are plenty of alien creatures depicted in the film.

There are spaceships, planets and huge battles as well. Hulk is definitely one of the main effect challenges in the movie.

The performance of Mark Ruffalo needs to be combined with an entirely digital character. The result is usually convincing enough.

The Hulk is a very physically heavy creature. Also, his face expressions have retained the personality of Mark Ruffalo.

It is important since the character now has more dialogues. The visual effects are needed to support his performance.

The film also uses digital effects for creating Hela’s powers. Her power to create weapons is rather impressive.

Also, it helps to make her a powerful villain. Surtur is another visual effect success in the film. The enormous fire demon makes an intimidating figure.

His appearance establishes the scale of the threat. The destruction of Asgard also requires some effects.

The battle itself is full of digital objects..But the film usually balances these visual effects with practical ones.

The costumes, sets and props help to create a believable world. It is especially true about Sakaar.

The creatures and environments seem more real due to the production design.

The CGI effects are not perfect. Some digital effects appear more realistic compared to others. There are even some scenes where the effects are obvious computer-generated.

The battle scene includes shots where the digital effects are less convincing. But these scenes do not prevail in the film.

The effects do not just exist in order to show off the technology. Instead, they help to tell the story. The case of the Hulk is a good illustration.

His existence is important for the story. Thanks to the effects, he can interact naturally with Thor. As a result, it is one of the most interesting relationships in the movie.

On the whole, the effects are quite effective. They help to create the colourful and hyperrealistic environment of the film.

The use of both the practical production design and the CGI is quite successful. The effects are weak in some scenes. But they are never distracting.

Themes and Storyline

Despite being very comical, Thor: Ragnarok also features some serious topics. The first one is the notion of home.

In the beginning, Thor believes that Asgard is a physical place.

However, with time he realizes that it is not a physical thing but rather something related to the people.

This is especially important when the city is being destroyed.

Therefore, the movie brings up the question whether the nation can exist without a physical home.

The second topic is responsibility. Thor has been preparing all his life to become the king. Thus, he needs to take the responsibility for his people.

The development of the character is not just him gaining power. He needs to learn how to be a good leader.

It also affects Loki because he needs to make the choice regarding his responsibilities.

Even though he has betrayed his family for many years, he still has something in common with Thor. The topic of responsibility is discussed with relation to Loki’s actions.

Another important topic in terms of emotions is Valkyrie. That she drinks and isolates herself implies that she hasn’t recovered.

Consequently, her participation in the fight becomes an element of her redemption process. All this gives the story more depth.

Nevertheless, it is the comedy that at times hinders the exploration of the themes. Firstly, the film doesn’t pay much attention to the theme of grief.

Odin’s death is especially significant. Nonetheless, the movie moves on quite fast. Asgard’s destruction is no exception.

It should be a tragic moment. Nonetheless, the film takes a light approach to the situation. This is intentional.

Waititi obviously tries to avoid making the movie too depressing. At the same time, this makes some dramatic moments less intense.

As for the storyline, it is quite simple. Thor needs to stop Hela and escape from Sakaar, and then go back to Asgard.

Thus, the movie changes its focus from one to another goal. It lasts for about two hours. The rhythm is good overall.

The Sakaar storyline is dynamic. The Asgard storyline is the main source of conflict. Moreover, Hulk’s storyline adds up to this. Loki does as well. So does Valkyrie.

There is certainly much going on. As opposed to some other Marvel movies, though, all these elements are generally coherent.

The movie does not get overly complicated. The story line, in turn, enables Thor to evolve. He loses his weapon.

He loses his father. He loses his home. At the same time, Thor realizes that his powers do not fully depend on Mjolnir.

That is an essential step. Thor starts to perceive himself differently. Character development is among the best aspects of the movie.

The movie also transforms our perception of Loki. Loki remains untrustworthy. Still, he becomes somewhat more sympathetic.

The relationships between him and Thor are more complicated than mere rivalry. In general, the story line functions well.

It is rather simple. Nonetheless, it needs not be. What makes the movie great is the way the story is presented.

The themes are there. They could have been explored deeper. Nevertheless, there is enough substance under the humor.

Performances

Chris Hemsworth is brilliant as Thor. He should get some credit for accepting the new approach.

Hemsworth definitely knows how to play Thor as a funny character. It is a very strong aspect of his performance.

But he does not lose his heroic side. There is still something touching in his jokes. Therefore, Hemsworth successfully reinvents the character without completely changing it.

Tom Hiddleston continues to be great as Loki. He perfectly knows how to combine charm and manipulation.

Loki’s interaction with Thor is one of the strongest points in the movie. Hiddleston also plays the comedy well.

Cate Blanchett adds some presence to Hela. It is clear that she has fun playing the villain. Hela is confident and menacing.

But she is not really a complex character. It turns out that there are some interesting things about her past.

But more could have been done with her motivation. Blanchett makes her memorable anyway.

One of the best additions to the film is Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie. This character is tough and independent.

But she is also an emotionally complex character. Thompson succeeds in giving her a believable amount of pain. She avoids the cliché of another superhero.

Mark Ruffalo reprised his role as Bruce Banner. He continues to portray Banner in his usual clumsy manner.

On the other hand, the Hulk gets more screen time than before. The chemistry between Thor and Hulk is hilarious.

The combination of Ruffalo and Hemsworth is fantastic.

Jeff Goldblum is a perfect choice for Grandmaster. The performance of Goldblum is intentionally weird.

It adds eccentricity to the character of Grandmaster.

While some audience members may consider the performance a bit overdone, it goes very well with Sakaar.

Karl Urban portrays Skurge. He delivers some of the film’s best performances. The Skurge’s storyline allows Urban to demonstrate his acting talent.

Idris Elba returned to his role as Heimdall. This time he got more screen time. Elba makes Heimdall strong and authoritative character.

Anthony Hopkins as Odin. His performance is still good. Odin is a reflective character in this movie. In general, the cast is a big advantage of the film.

Hemsworth is the most fortunate actor regarding the changed atmosphere. However, the supporting cast does a great job as well.

What Worked and What Did Not

Thor: Ragnarok is very good on many levels. First and foremost, the greatest success is tone shift. Taika Waititi brings a new face to Thor franchise.

The comedic aspects help Thor become more enjoyable. Also, the comedy opens up the personality of Chris Hemsworth.

The interaction between Thor and Loki is still great. Valkyrie is yet another very important asset.

Tessa Thompson brings strength and vulnerability to the role. Hulk is another character who is excellent in the movie.

The interactions between the two heroes bring some of the funniest moments of the film.

The visual aspects of the movie are also one of the best things about it. The movie is colorful and energetic.

Sakaar is one of the most memorable parts of it. The retro science fiction influence helps create an unique identity for it.

The action scenes are also enjoyable. Thor-Hulk fight scene stands out. The finale brings lots of action.

Mostly, the visual effects fit the plot. The movie also has interesting character development of Thor.

The loss of Mjolnir leads him to reassessing his skills. The loss of Asgard leads him to reassessing his duties.

These changes make him a more mature character. However, there are flaws. First of all, it might be the comedy.

Mostly it is done great. However, there are moments when the jokes are too much. They ruin serious scenes.

It destroys the emotional connection. For instance, Odin’s death scene. It was supposed to be quite important.

However, in a blink of an eye, the film goes to comedy. There is one more similar case with the destruction of Asgard.

It is an amazing event. However, the film ignores its emotional side. Thus, it becomes less dramatic than expected.

Hela is one more flaw. Cate Blanchett performs great. However, the motives of the character could have been explored better.

She is frightening enough. But she is not complicated like other Marvel villains.

Also, Ragnarok differs from the mythology of the previous Thor films. Some people might see it as something good.

Other fans might regret losing such style. Thor by Kenneth Branagh had theatricality. In Ragnarok, it is mostly lost.

It makes the film more entertaining. But some mythological element is ruined. Moreover, the film has many characters. Almost all of them are used well.

However, some supporting characters receive little attention. The story could have explored certain relationships further.

Despite these criticisms, the film succeeds at reinventing Thor. It feels fresh. It feels energetic. Most importantly, it feels confident.

Overall Verdict

Thor: Ragnarok is one of the more successful revamps in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Taika Waititi manages to completely transform the tone of the Thor series. He mixes comedy, action, and sci-fi to create something unique.

The outcome is vibrant, energetic, and visually pleasing. Chris Hemsworth greatly benefits from the shift in tone.

Now he can demonstrate his sense of humor. Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo share a great chemistry.

Tom Hiddleston continues to play the part of Loki excellently. Their dynamic is funny and touching at the same time.

Tessa Thompson creates a great impression as Valkyrie. The character has got personality and vulnerabilities.

Cate Blanchett gives life to Hela. However, the villain could be more thoroughly explored.

The film has some important ideas worth noting. Responsibility, identity, and the concept of home are among the things that Thor: Ragnarok examines.

Thor understands that his power doesn’t depend on Mjolnir. Moreover, he understands that Asgard is not only a place.

All these ideas make the movie emotional. However, sometimes the humor gets in the way. Humorous elements ruin some dramatic scenes.

The destruction of Asgard could have been more emotionally affecting.

This movie diverges from the mythology laid down by Kenneth Branagh. That does not necessarily make it weaker.

It just means that it is a totally different take on Thor. Visually, it is one of the best movies Marvel has made.

Sakaar looks amazing. The colourful design of the movie makes it extremely unique.

The visual effects are also generally good. There is some CGI that looks unrealistic.

Nevertheless, it still makes for a great visual experience. The action scenes are enjoyable. The pacing is really good. The plot is quite simple.

This works to the advantage of the movie. It does not get bogged down by excessive subplots. To me, the best thing about this movie is the character growth.

At the end, Thor feels like a different person. He does not need his hammer as much. Moreover, he has learned to accept his responsibilities.

So the movie is able to be funny while still developing its characters. It is not a perfect movie. Sometimes the jokes are excessive.

The emotional parts could have been more affecting. Also, Hela is not one of the better villains of Marvel.

Nevertheless, Thor: Ragnarok succeeds where its predecessors struggled.

It gives Thor a clear identity. It makes Chris Hemsworth’s character more entertaining. It also creates a visual style that is instantly recognisable.

Most importantly, it proves that changing a successful formula can sometimes work. Thor: Ragnarok feels like a genuine reinvention rather than simply another sequel.

That makes it one of the more memorable films in the MCU.