Directed by: Taika Waititi
Release date: November 3rd, 2017
Rating: 10/10
Thor Ragnarok is the third of the Thor films and the first to be directed by Taika Waititi. Known mostly for his comedy films, Waititi brings a fresh new take on what most, including me, had considered a pretty stale and boring character. Not that I ever had a big issue with him, but past directors seems to either keep him as a Shakespearean, cape-wearing, god who’s main schtick was that he was always confused by Earth culture; or they made him the “tank” in the team up films. Before Ragnarok came out I didn’t have an issue with Thor; granted, the characterization of the god-out-of-water was getting a bit old, but the way he was revitalized in Ragnarok made me see what a waste of potential he was.
This Thor is much more emotional, purpose-driven, and relatable. Waititi perfectly balances the comedic timing with the dramatic scenes throughout the film. Chris Hemsworth is fantastic as his 5th time playing Thor. You can really see that he was allowed to play around with the character and really show a comedic side that he was never able to before.
The visuals in this movie are fantastic as well. Not only the CGI, which is great, but the color and design of Sakkar specifically. It’s so far out of realistic but it makes a lot of visual sense. Some of the best looking scenes are simply in rooms designed with the geometric, brightly colored designs.
The cast is amazing as well. Mark Ruffalo is also given room to breath as he reprises his role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk. Tessa Thompson also steals every scene she’s in, playing the role of Valkyrie. Jeff Goldblum plays...well pretty much just Jeff Goldblum, but it’s entertaining to no end. Cate Blanchett also plays a solid villain in the form of Hela the goddess of Death. While she isn’t the best antagonist in the MCU, she certainly is far from the worst.
Thor Ragnorok is a fantastic film filled with color, emotion, and comedy that revitalizes Thor as a character. Taika Waititi brings is signature style to the MCU and it pays off tremendously. Thor Ragnarok did for Thor what Captain America The Winter Solider did for Captain America. I can honestly say that this is one of my all time favorite Marvel films to date.