Outrageously different and incredibly fun, Thor: Ragnarok is without doubt, the most entertaining Marvel Nordic entry so far.
Thor: Ragnarok Synopsis
Two years after Sokovia, Thor finally sees through Loki’s impersonation of Odin and forces the latter to reveal their father’s fate. Odin, however, is near death and before passing, warns that Hela, the exiled Goddess of Death, would soon be liberated. This indeed happens and in the fight that follows, Thor is hurled out of the Bifrost and teleported to the battle planet of Sakaar. There, Thor discovers to his joy, then horror, that he’s not the only Avenger trapped in that twisted world. Meanwhile, Hela decimates the army of Asgard and establishes herself as the realm’s brutal new queen.
Snappy Review
If you haven’t yet watched Thor: Ragnarok, be prepared for two things. It’s radically different from the previous two entries, more Guardians of the Galaxy and Deadpool than Avengers. It’s also incredibly, raucously fun to watch.
The movie plays like a zany dream, you see. Perhaps something the thunder god had while snoozing at Avengers Tower one afternoon?
There’s the usual realms-saving action, breathless fight scenes, and gorgeous backdrops. But permeating every minute of the show is also a brilliant self-awareness, one that’s utterly and irresistibly hilarious.
Thor is not just his usual mighty self here, this is him with his hair down, literally. While confronting his deadliest threat, he also reveals a string of delicious insights about himself, ranging from his opinion of the Hulk to his worth on the Avengers, to his side of childhood rivalry with Loki.
I could almost liken this dazzling adventure to Thor living out his wildest and most triumphant fantasy in one swop. This is one fantasy in which he not only (again) single-handedly saves the day, but also one in which he is finally reunited with his wayward half-sibling. (Whom he obviously is fond of)
On another note, it’s interesting to see how the 80s is making such a strong comeback in popular media, be it music, visuals, or artistic direction, or iconic toys. Is the fuel behind this merely nostalgia, or is it something more? Perhaps it’s something about that decade that just invokes adventure and revelry!
I’m very keen to read what media theorists would eventually conclude about this phenomenon.
Click here to view the trailer.
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