Every so often, Marvel would release a collection of comics known as the ‘What If’ series, in which a cosmic being named The Watcher peers into a darker, oftentimes wackier, alternate universe. Some notable stories include What If The Punisher Became Captain America, What If The Fantastic Four Had Not Gained Their Superpowers, and What If The Avengers Defeated Everybody (which is coincidentally the plot of literally every Marvel movie). Thor: Ragnarok is kind of like the movie version of those in which we ask What If Thor Wasn’t The Lamest, Least Relatable, Most Likely Avenger To Watch On An Airplane, Fantasy Hero Wannabe Of The Marvel Cinematic Universe?
The answer? He inexplicably becomes the star of the studio’s most refreshingly entertaining movie of 2017.
While technically a sequel, Ragnarok feels like anything but, functioning as more of a soft reboot that happened to retain its stars. Everything else is thrown out the window. Marvel pulls a complete 180, practically retconning the previous two films’ efforts to carve a space into the hallowed fantasy genre. This is most apparent in Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of the titular character. Gone is the brash, brutish, and ultimately bland hero of old. Thor is…awkward? And goofy? And most surprisingly, genuinely funny! With undeniable charisma and near-perfect comedic timing (plus an otherworldly physique that would make Rob Liefeld blush), Hemsworth makes an effortless transition from the intolerable God of Thunder to a lovable Lord of Blunders.
This character reinvention was a ballsy move on Marvel’s part to say the least, one that probably would not have worked without the even bolder decision to toss the keys to Taika Waititi—an indie comedy maestro from New Zealand known for directing the hysterical vampire mockumentary What We Do In The Shadows and the equally charming Hunt For the Wilderpeople. Hiring a comedian to direct isn’t necessarily groundbreaking—James Gunn has taken charge of two Guardians films, and Edgar Wright did half of Ant-Man #NeverForget—if not for the fact that Waititi’s brand of oddball, slapstick humour is potent enough to make even the abominable Cathy a riot (He also voices Korg, a soft-spoken gladiator/rock monster whose signature “Waititisms” left my theater howling).
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Unfortunately, that is where Ragnarok ceases to differentiate itself from the rest of the Marvel tentpoles. The movie suffers from a characteristically overstuffed yet ultimately generic plot. Rife with meandering subplots and strange cameos, Ragnarok has no business clocking in at 130 minutes. The movie, and several other blockbusters like it, would stand to benefit from the 90-minute format so prevalent during the 90s. More fun in less time. The film also proves to be unthreateningly bleak—despite a comical number of supporting character deaths and the complete obliteration of a certain world (hint: it’s not earth), Ragnarok feels awfully shallow, void of any semblance of stakes or consequences.
The uninspired story does little to serve an otherwise stupendous cast of performers. Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, who still proves to be the studio’s only compelling villain, goes through a bizarre number of character arcs for no apparent reason other than he’s mischievous like that. Meanwhile, the film’s actual villain Hela, played by the delectably diabolical Cate Blanchett, is yet another member of the pantheon of crappy Marvel villains. Blanchett, the consummate pro that she is, elevates the character as much as humanly possible. She also absolutely looks and feels the part; alas she was given nothing to work with. Jeff Goldblum does Jeff Goldblum things and, while he remains to be one of America’s greatest exports, has little to do, given that he’s one of five (!!!) antagonists. Hulk also receives a reboot, depicted here as an endearingly childlike bringer of destruction. He’s fun. Certainly deserving of his own movie, which cannot be said of every Avenger.
And yet having said all of that, it almost doesn’t matter. The movie is honestly just that fun.
Thor: Ragnarok marks the 17th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it shares the same problem present in each of the previous 16 films—we’re supposed to believe that said universe is in danger, when every poster, trailer, and post-credits scene tell us otherwise. In creating the perfect blockbuster formula, Marvel has sapped their films of any hint of drama or surprise. What do you do? Surprise audiences with comedy! And for Thor: Ragnarok, they’ve managed to save the weakest link of the franchise. Now it’s time to save the universe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue80QwXMRHg
