Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
Thor: Ragnarok is an action-comedy from director Taika Waititi and stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett among others. Thor imprisoned on the planet Sakaarmust must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarök, the destruction of his world, at the hands of the powerful and ruthless villain Hela. The picture also functions as the closing chapter of the Thor Trilogy within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and as a prequel to Avengers: Infinity War.
Under The Lens: Directors vision and narrative tone
Directors vision: Taika Waititi is an interesting director, he writes laugh out loud comedy but then can turn and give deep emotional moments for his characters. This picture more then I think any other MCU entry is a product of its director’s vision, we see Thor at his most zany and irreverent, yet also at his most vulnerable and powerful. A scene happens at two points of the narrative where Thor speaks to his father Odin, and those interactions are some of the best emotional moments in the whole MCU. While Taika Waititi’s humor may not be for everyone no one can argue that he does not have a deep love for the character of Thor as he truly takes him on an adventure that redefines who he is and where he will go in the future of the MCU.
Narrative tone: The Thor Trilogy is a mixed bag when it comes to tone, with the first picture being a Shakespearean tragedy, the second a Game of Thrones Norse epic, and the third an action-comedy. No one ever thought Thor could work as a comedy yet, Hemsworth delivers in spades as a comedy lead, and while not all the jokes work, he carries the weight well. The story is full of jokes, but still carries its tragic parks well, you feel the death and carnage, and the picture without the comedy would have been incredibly dark,
Highlights
The shared scene with Odin, Loki and Thor is very touching and a fitting conclusion to Odins story
The climatic bridge fight is brilliantly choreographed to music and is a blast to watch.
The CGI was well done and rendered the world of Asgard beautifully.
Something to think about
Was Thor: Ragnarök what you were expecting? How do you feel about the picture as a comedy?
Conclusion
Overall Thor: Ragnarök, is a funny and funny picture, it serves as the conclusion to Thor’s trilogy and also lays out the path for the next steps he will take in the greater MCU world. Those looking for a dark and violent end of the world tale will be disappointed, but those who are looking for a fun afternoon at the theater, and want to see a hero fighting the forces of darkness with a smile and a quip will have a grand time indeed.