Movie Review: Thor Ragnarok

Even as a comic fan who can enjoy, “turn your brain off,” action movies the formula is wearing thin for me. This one should have been a slam dunk — Thor vs Hulk! Instead it felt like a long episode of Family Guy. I cannot recall a single scene that didn’t have some forced quip. Even towards the end of the movie when Thor and his people befall an incredible tragedy, the scene is punctuated with a joke. They just couldn’t help themselves. The writers are so terrified of sincerity. Viewers need some contrast. Thor: The Dark World was mediocre but it at least had the nerve to be serious occasionally. The funeral for Thor’s mother is the best example. It is the film’s most powerful scene.

Ragnarok is funny at times but shallow and forgettable. As bland as Ragnarok often feels there are two decent consolation prizes: Jeff Goldblum and Cate Blanchett. Both are fun to watch. The set and costume design are also pretty good as are the special effects. Still it’s sad to see the direction taken with the character of Thor. He had such a solid arc in his origin story and the first sequel. What should have developed into a truly heroic yet tragic and enduring character instead became a punchline. Infinity War did him justice for the most part, but Endgame and Love and Thunder put the nail in the coffin. Chris Hemsworth deserved better.

Grade: C-