Thor: Ragnarok

            As 2017 begins to come to a close, so do the last of the comic book movies arriving in theaters this year. I do have to admit: despite Spiderman Homecoming and Kingsman The Golden Circle, this year was actually one of the better years for comic book movies, and that’s saying something, considering both 2015 and 2016 had only one comic book movie each that I loved. I've already discussed my thoughts about Justice League in my rant last time, but let's talk about a good comic book movie, Thor: Ragnarok.

            My opinions with the Thor trilogy have been mixed when compared to everyone else’s. I thought the first film was alright for what it was, but nothing really special, and I’m actually in a minority that not only loves the sequel, Thor: The Dark World, but I actually like it more than most of the other MCU movies. I thought that the character development was better than the slower pace of the first movie, the action scenes were something that I didn’t get from the first Avengers movie, and it had some of the better laughs that I’ve had with any film that year.

            However, after the decline that Marvel was having, at least with me, with Avengers: Age of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War, as well as Marvel Studios not being the best when it comes to third installments of trilogies, I didn’t really have high expectations with the finale of the Thor trilogy. It was only after seeing the teaser in theaters, something that I actually watched more of than any other trailer they released, I was pumped for another adventure with Thor.

            When the goddess of death, Hela, escapes from her prison and destroys his hammer, Thor must now fight to survive a gladiator prison planet, run by the Grandmaster. In order to return to Asgard, he must team up with a fallen Valkyrie, his trickster brother Loki, and the Hulk, who has become the Grandmaster’s champion fighter, so they can stop Hela and prevent the coming of Ragnarok.

            Once again, Marvel Studios keeps on improving the Thor series, because this film kicks ass! Thor: Ragnarok is the best of the trilogy, which is not too often that you see from a third installment of a film series, especially with comic book movies. Everything that was done right with the previous two movies is doubled, and with the problems that I had with them being near completely absent. The action scenes and visual effects are such a feast to the eyes, from Thor and Hulk’s rematch to the finale on the Rainbow Bridge, all of it just breathes new life into uncharted grounds. We get to see more of the worlds across the Thor mythos, as well as bridge together the Guardians of the Galaxy civilizations into context, leading up to the character assembly in Avengers: Infinity War, but in a tasteful manner, unlike some other MCU entries.  But what is especially memorable about the movie is the comedy; it’s not as outlandish and raunchy as what Deadpool would bring, but it still manages to get you laughing at almost every instant…aside from the few jokes they used from previous MCU movies, like Banner falling but not transforming as he hits the ground.

            Chris Hemmsworth succeeds with his reprisal of the titular god of thunder himself, but you can tell that his character has a more humorous approach. You see Thor act cockier than usual, like if Tony Stark rubbed off on him, as well as be playful with allies, but still in that egotistical manner that Thor can be known for. That’s not to say, the film’s without its softer moments, because he does know when to tone it down and take matters seriously. Tom Hiddleston’s return as Loki was pleasantly welcoming, as he has just as much charm and hilarious dialogue as he did in The Avengers and Thor: The Dark World. Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/the Hulk was a very refreshing addition to the film, and quite a clever way to incorporate the Planet Hulk storyline from the comics from under Universal’s nose. I also love the buddy/rivalry that Thor has with the Hulk, similar to the one he has with Loki, but more physical; not only that, but seeing the two go head to head again since the first Avengers was deeply satisfying.

            Cate Blanchett as Hela easily steals it, helping add to Marvel’s good streak of movie villains; while her character does appear the second she’s mentioned, as well as a little underdeveloped, Blanchett deliverers this sinister presence that just commands you to submit. No mercy, no surrender, and bitter on every level, Blanchett just commands it all. Jeff Goldblum as the Grandmaster is also very hilarious, in all of his Goldblum glory. Tessa Thompson and Karl Urban also have some good parts as well, both with their own history of dealing with Hela before and after her imprisonment. Sir Anthony Hopkins is always great as Odin, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange was a delightful appearance, and even Liam Hemmsworth and Matt Damon get cameos too.

            As far as I’m concerned, Thor: Ragnarok is another lucky Marvel masterpiece that I’m glad to have seen. Plus, it’s easily the best superhero movie playing in theatres right now, so might as well take the better option. The comedy really works, the action scenes are kick ass (especially when Led Zepplin kicks in), the characters are work well with each other, and it has some pretty good build up to Avengers: Infinity War. But don’t forget, we still have Black Panther to be more excited about first.

Rating: A-