Movie Review - Thor: Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok **** (out of 5) (PG-13) What a pleasure it is to screen a highly-touted movie and find that it completely lives up to the hype. In yet another outing for the Norse God of Thunder and other familiar faces from the slew of Marvel Comics superhero and sci-fi incarnations thriving on our biggest screens, there’s no flagging of excitement, effects or energy to be found in this seemingly inexhaustible set of source material. Even Stan Lee’s cameos keep improving.

The non-Thor part of the title isn’t a person; nor does it have anything to do with Dwayne Johnson. It’s the prophesied destruction of Asgard by some creature who dwarfs all those resident gods in size and power. And he ain’t the only problem for Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and his pals. He and adopted brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) have a sister (Cate Blanchett) with her own agenda and awesome powers to back it. Loki, for those keeping score at home, has vacillated between boon and bane to the Good Guys throughout their checkered sibling history, including relations with papa Zeus (Anthony Hopkins). Which side he’ll land on adds to the script’s suspense factor. And a fine screenplay it is from the six credited writers who obviously learned how to play well with others. I hope all the moms who try to steer their kids away from pulp pages will note such compelling evidence of exemplary residual influence on some of their young, and not-so-young, readers.

Although my youth was occupied far more with the DC gang - Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, et. al. - I’ve found the Marvel cast far more enjoyable as film fare for one main reason. Humor. These icons don’t take themselves so darned seriously. The Batman films have been particularly dark and moody. Who needs such heavy-handed productions for fantasy figures? Give me the wisecracks from Robert Downey Jr.’s Ironman, or Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool any day for counterpoint to the CGI mayhem of the action sequences we’re mainly there to see.

So this one delivers all the thrills and comedic balance of the best from its predecessors. As usual, it resolves the imminent crises while dangling new challenges to come in the next year, or so. There’s one short teaser when the interminable credits begin, and another seemingly hours later, when they’re done. True fans will remain for all of it. Those with lesser bladder capacity might have time to take care of their needs between the two postscripts.

Go for the biggest available screen, because this one deserves that scale for a full-immersion experience. Most who see this one will be eager for the next installment. Like this guy. (11/3/17)