If you had to rank the many films in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU), it’s a fair bet that plenty would place the two Thor films towards the bottom end of their list.
For whatever reason – and despite having some of the best MCU characters (take a bow Loki) – the Thor movies haven’t really captured the imagination in the same way as Avengers stalwarts Iron-Man and Captain America.
However, Ragnarok and its hard-hitting comic book ramifications always felt like being a game changer for Chris Hemsworth’s God of Thunder.
Directed by Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople), Ragnarok represents a huge change in tone for the Thor films. If you’re familiar with movies in the MCU, it’s now more comparable with Guardians of The Galaxy than Captain America.
And it’s a smart move, as the film perhaps delivers the most laughs of any offering in the ever-expanding super-hero world.
The twist on the Ragnarok storyline (a prophecy that predicts the end of Asgard, Thor’s home) here is that it’s mixed with another popular Marvel thread; Planet Hulk.That’s right, Mark Ruffalo’s big green Avenger is a prominent force in this third Thor outing – and boy does he deliver.
The two Avengers cross paths on the planet Sakaar, with Thor and the not-so-dead Loki (Tom Hiddlestone) finding themselves marooned following an altercation with Cate Blanchett’s villainous Hela, who wants the Asgard throne all to herself.
It’s there that Thor is essentially enslaved by Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster and forced to fight for his freedom in a gladiator-style arena.
If you’ve seen the many trailers, you’ll know that his “friend from work” Hulk is also there…although he’s enjoying himself as a warrior revered by the crowd.
Thor also comes across a number of key characters on Sakaar, with drunken Asgardian Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and the hilarious Korg (voiced by Waititi) both great additions to the MCU.
The God of Thunder must find a way back to Asgard and stop Hela from destroying all that his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) has built, before it’s too late.
As well as those already mentioned, there are cameos galore in this third slice of Thor action. Matt Damon, Sam Neill, Benedict Cumberbatch and Idris Elba all appear at one time or another, making this another huge Marvel Studios production.
Aside from the additional humour and all-star cast, Ragnarok also has an amazing soundtrack that is perhaps the best MCU original score yet. Throw in some insanely good visuals and you have all of the staples of a fine Marvel film.
The chemistry between Hemsworth and Ruffalo makes every scene Thor and Hulk share together a memorable one, while Hiddlestone seems to revel on his return as Loki.
Blanchett also makes for a compelling villain – Marvel’s first female antagonist at the 16th time of asking.
By now, you’re either all-in with the MCU superheroes, or bored of them.
While I’m a big fan, I can honestly say that you could easlly enjoy Ragnarok as a great stand-alone experience.
But, if you’re fully invested in the bigger picture, this moves the wider story on and leads us superbly into 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War.
In short, the best Thor yet is a blast at the cinema.
Voice Verdict: 9/10 (reviewed at Boston West End Cinema)
+ Very funny throughout
+ Thor and Hulk
+ Great soundtrack
+ Incredible supporting cast
+ Moves MCU on
SHOWTIMES
Boston’s West End Cinema (Fri, Nov 3 to Thurs, Nov 9)
**POKÉMON THE MOVIE: I CHOOSE YOU (PG)
2.15pm (Sun), 6.15pm (Mon)
**MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12A)
12.30pm (Sat/Sun), 3pm (Sat/Sun), 5.45pm (daily), 8.20pm (daily)
A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS (15)
1pm (Sat/Sun), 3.30pm (Sat/Sun), 6pm (daily), 8.45pm (daily)
THOR: RAGNAROK (12A)
2D –11.30am (Sat/Sun), 2.30pm (Sat/Sun), 8.30pm (daily)
3D – 5.30pm (daily)
GEOSTORM (12A)
2D – 10.30am (Sat/Sun)
HAPPY DEATH DAY (15)
8.40pm (not Thur)
JIGSAW (18)
4.15pm (Sat/Sun), 6.30pm (not Mon/Tue), 8.45pm (Daily)
MY LITTLE PONY (U)
10am (Sat/Sun), noon (Sun), 12.25pm (Sat), 2.45pm (Sat)
LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE (U)
10am (Sat/Sun), 2pm (Sat/Sun)
BREATHE (12A)
6pm (not Thu)
KIDS’ CLUB
10.15am Sat/Sun – Cars 3 2D (PG)
SILVER SCREEN
Wed 11.30am – Breathe (12A)
SUBTITLED SHOWING
Tues 8.15pm – Jigsaw (18)
**FREE LIST SUSPENDED
