USA 2017
Opening October 31, 2017
Directed by: Taika Waititi
Writing credits: Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost, Stephany Folsom, Eric Person
Principal actors: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Hopkins, Benedict Cumberbatch
Aging Odin (Hopkins) orders his son Thor (Hemsworth) back home to Asgard, where he meets up with his brother Loki (Hiddleston).Together they learn of the threat called Ragnarok led by the mighty warrior Hela (Blanchett). Odin, who is failing, gives full responsibility to his sons to save not only their planet but others including Midgard (the Earth). Thor, as the stronger of the two brothers, mends a broken friendship with Hulk (Ruffalo) in order to insure his aid, and accepts the challenge.
The plot is simple, but the action is furious, loud, and on-going, much as we know from the two prior Thor films: Thor (2011, directed by Kenneth Branagh) and Thor: The Dark World (2013, directed by Alan Taylor). Now, director Taika Waititi has taken on the challenge of filming this Marvel comic, which he achieves with great success. Several new actors joined the team such as Blanchett, Ruffalo, Goldblum, Thompson, Urban, and Cumberbatch. Even Waititi plays a small role as Korg. In Waititi’s version, contrary to the prior two, comedy has a firm presence in the interaction between the characters; there are many funny jibes, which are often more effective than physical attacks or magic. Colors are bright and cheerful – no gloom here. Hulk is huge, except when he is being his “alternative” self – a shoe-salesman type named Bruce Banner. The music carries the action with enthusiasm; the general impression is just plain fun. Thor fans can discuss the differences in this new, third, version. Everyone else (kids, teenagers, their parents) will have good entertainment, even without prior experience with Thor and the gang. ()