This movie was so much fun! Although I know a lot of comic book fans are pissed and think that Marvel studios neutered the characters. We all need to learn to separate the comics from the films. These movies are just LOOSELY cased on certain stories. Just sit back, relax, and laugh a little, or a lot!
Chris Hemsworth finally seems to have embraced the character and because of that he seems more at ease with the sometimes cheesy dialog and over the top action. Mark Ruffalo is superb, as usual, as the Hulk/Bruce Banner. Although they never address his ability to form complete sentences now. I'm also a bit disappointed because it seems as though the CG for the Hulk has taken a step backwards.
The show stopper, however, has to be Jeff Goldblum as The Grand Master. His depiction of what amounts to a "God" is played like a kid in a candy store. He's just there to entertain himself, and he totally pulls it off! I can't to see how he, and the Collector will really figure into Infinity War.
Cate Blanchett as Hela was not an obvious casting choice, but ended up being exactly the right one. She is sinister in a way I've never pictured her being able to portray. Almost to the point of being sexy in a dominatrix sort of way. Hela is the trapped and forgotten daughter of Odin, come back to take control of Asgard and to conquer the nine realms.
Upon Hela's arrival, her first order of business is to destroy Mjolnir, which surprises Thor to the point of actual fear. A fight ensues as Thor, Hela, and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are being whisked via Bifrost back to Asgard. However, Hela being too strong dispatches of both heroes into the stream of the unknown.
Thor is thrust onto a planet filled with trash and skyward portals to god only knows where. Shortly after arriving, Thor is captured by a bounty hunter, Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and sold to the Grand Master. The old GM is looking for fighters to battle in his Roman-like gladiator games. And wouldn't you have guessed it, the champion is the Hulk!
Meanwhile, Hela is wrecking havoc on Asgard, having killed the Warriors Three and most of the Asgard army, replacing them with an army of the dead. Having foreseen the coming attack Heimdall (Idris Elba) has stolen the Bifrost sword and is helping to get the remaining Asgardians to safety.
Once Thor and Banner escape, they, along with Valkyrie, make their way back home to face down Hela and save Asgard. As the main battle ensues, Thor finds his true power, yet it doesn't seem to be enough until the arrival of Loki and the other fighters from the gladiators guild. Of course, the tides turn and good ultimately prevails.
A truly unexpected surprise was the introduction of Korg, voiced by director Taika Waititi. Korg is an absolutely hilarious, rock-formed creature that serves as the ultimate comic relief for the film. Hopefully Marvel will keep him around through more films!
We also get some great performances by the incomparable Sir Anthony Hopkins as Odin and Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange. Strange and Thor have a very memorable exchange that is laugh out loud funny. Cumberbatch was another supreme casting job! Tom Hiddleston is quite possibly the best Marvel villain to date, Can't believe he wasn't instantly drawn to the character and instead auditioned for the role of Thor. Then we have Idris Elba. Mr. Elba may be one of the most underrated actors of our generation. Although I do love that he has evolved in this film, I really wish Marvel would have used him for a more prevalent role, possibly in a different film. He deserves top billing and more screen time.
This was a really fun movie to watch and I would say it's appropriate for anyone over 10. There are a few really cool Easter-eggs like the head of Beta Ray Bill on the tower of champions. The main problem I have with this movie is about the same I have with any comic book movie and that's that the writers, producers, and director seem afraid to more closely follow the source material. I think we as viewers have proven that we are willing to sit through a three hour film if it's done well. Hell, you could probably keep my ass in the seat twice that length, again, if it's done well. Give me more story even if it comes at the price of less action. Develop these characters fully instead of just making them warriors. Give me an older Reed Richards and Victor Von Doom. Don't be afraid of the comics, those are the very things putting asses in seats for you. We are a loyal bunch, give us the chance to prove it!
Marvel movies, in my humble opinion, are superior to the DC counterparts. Marvel just has to change all of the silly stuff. Give us serious stories and less cheese. Trust that we will still come out in droves to see your films. We WILL! Not all comic book movies have to be marketed towards kids.
In closing, go see Thor: Ragnarok. It's a good flick and it is leading us straight into Infinity War!!
No comments:
Post a Comment