One the major criticisms thrown at Marvel’s films is that they are increasingly unimaginative productions sticking to the same formula that worked so well in phase 1 with Iron-man and Captain America the first avenger.
There has been very little risk taken as audiences are treated to standardized fast food menu that gives you a sugar rush induced high, but leaves you hungry and wanting something more filling
Marvel movies have been reduced to slick action scenes, a flurry of jokes, sometimes forced and the occasional fan-servicing cameo are all staples of any movie with the Marvel logo.
So what about Thor Ragnorok? Does it stick to the play book or give us something new?
Enter Thor: Ragnarok, the third movie in the Thor Trilogy. I ignored the fanboy hype and I had very little hope for this film since the Thor Series has been my least favourite of all the Marvel storylines. Thor 1 was ok at best and dark world was well dark world, I hardly remember much and that says plenty I think
So when I finally sat down to watch the film I was pleasantly surprised at the fresh approach to the series. The film is directed by Taika Waititi, a filmmaker made famous by his eccentric, genre-lampooning horror mockumentary What We Do In The Shadows.
Taika definitely takes Ragnarok and puts his own twist on it, be it within the boundaries of the marvel framework. As a viewer, there was a lot more excitement and less predictability.
As I've mentioned before its prequels were nothing too great and Ragnarok comfortably obliterates them by some distance, and definitely was the most enjoyable Thor movie, and the first that even gets close to realising the true scope of these characters, no coincidence Natalie Portman's absence from the Thor movie is a bonus for all involved.
As much as I enjoyed the movie it was by no means the perfect marvel movie but did set the bar for future instalments to live up to and exceed.
Thor: Ragnarok tries too hard to win over the audience with comedy and as a result, the story does suffer. Individual character arcs are vague, characters themselves are borderline unrecognisable. Literally, everything in this movie comes second to the jokes.
Once you accept this movie is a comedy and is not to be taken seriously you will start to enjoy it. Don't get too hung up on the plot holes, character development and the character arcs and just take it for what it is.
A wild visual ride with some amazing action scenes and plenty of jokes to a long with it. Yes, this does devalue the stakes and nothing seems to edge of your seat world ending but let's save that for Infinity war, won't we? As much as Cate does well to establish our villain along with Jeff, they won't be villains you will remember, a consistent issue plaguing marvel movies to date.
All in all, it's a funny, adrenaline thrill ride buddy comedy with a solid cast and a welcomed addition to the MCU.