Thor Ragnarok (Part 2 of 2)

Thor Ragnarok (Part 2 of 2)

Hulk Smash

The Hulk pays a large role in the second and third acts. The writers do use a great deal of the Planet Hulk story elements and it blends in well with the Ragnarok story. I can buy the MCU's Hulk turning into this gladiator type of warrior that kills hundreds of people and enjoys the fame of being a warrior.

Mark Ruffalo's Bruce banner is nice to see again too. It is a shock that Bruce hasn't been seen since Avengers II. Ruffalo plays the nerdy guy out of his element but is also afraid that his alter-ego will replace him for good. At this moment, I am looking forward to a stand-alone Bruce Banner/Hulk movie. However, I did like The Incredible Hulk and this movie does follow up on that storyline in a manner of speaking.

Hela Good?

Cate Blanchett is better than the Dark Elves from the second movie. You can clearly tell that she is loving the role. Everywhere she goes, something gets destroyed or someone dies. (She was hinted at in a deleted scene in the second Avengers movie.) She is fun in the same manner as your villains in those Saturday morning cartoon shows from the early 80s.

Hela isn't as fun to watch as Loki. She is great as the looming threat, but I just wanted more of her. It feels like there were entire subplots cut out involving her on Asgard.

I also enjoyed that they tied her in the deeper mythology of Asgard. Her reveal about the hidden history of Odin and his role in the realms will change the way you view the history behind the first two movies. I also like that she was basically a super weapon that was pushed aside when Asgard morphed into a more enlightened society. There wasn't a place for Hela in the newer/brighter Asgard. So, she was pushed out and erased from the history books.

It does feel her character got cut a bit from the overall final cut. Keep in mind she is sharing her villain role with Jeff Goldblum's character. And, it seems Goldblum has the better lines and moments. However, you can't take away from the coolness of her powers and Cate's acting abilities.

Other Things Worth Noting

-No Jane: I guess someone at Disney doesn't like Natalie Portman. I heard Portman wasn't easy to get along with in the other movies. She receives a mention here, so the writers have pushed her aside. Really though, she would have bogged down the story due to her poorly constructed character from the first movie. You didn't need her for a movie almost entirely based on different planets.

-No Human Team Thor members: With Jane gone, all the support characters behind Jane are not in the movie either. I like Kat Dennings and not just because she is pleasing to the eyes. She brought a bit humor to the other Thor movies. However, there is no place for her here if Jane is not part of the movie.

-Dr. Strange appearance: Having not seen the Dr. Strange movie, I enjoyed Strange's appearance. He kind of plays around with Thor but helps him out a bit. Strange is a bit of a troll to Thor and Loki. He really trolls Loki rather harshly.

-Karl Urban 's role felt a bit weak. However, there is a funny scene at the beginning with him that I like involving a Dragon. I felt his “face/heel-turn” was a bit weak. I know he was put into the story as fan service for Thor comic book fans.

-Loki being Loki: Loki is always a treat to watch. I freaking loved the reaction Loki has to the appearance of Hulk. It was one of the best moments in the movie. Pure gold and only works if you watched the rest of the Marvel movies. Tom Hiddleston brings his A game once again. He is having a lot of fun and I am too.

-A bit of Transformers: The Movie thrown in?: I have to wonder if this movie also paid homage to Transformers movies. Mainly it has to do with the manner that they kill off major characters from the first two movies. They kill these character off so brutally, quickly and dismissively that it is a shock. We got to like these characters from the first two movies and they are wiped away without much fanfare. Not even Thor shows feelings for his fallen friends.

Anyway, Thor Ragnarok is funny and fun action/sci-fi movie that brings to mind the style and feel of the 70s and 80s sci-fi movies. It is a bright and witty movie with a lot of fun moments. I liked the colors and the balance between the serious and witty moments. I wouldn't mind seeing another Thor movie with this director and team.

Being a DC Comics guy, I find it funny that I am looking forward to the Marvel movies more than the DC ones.  Not bad, Marvel.  What's next?

Grade: B+