Awesome!
Perhaps my new favorite MCU movie, yet. A humorous-serious epic movie
that plays to the strengths of both MCU characters, Thor, played by
Chris Hemsworth of course, and Banner/Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo,
with help from Lou Ferrigno. [Pun recognized after the fact and made
me smile, so I left it in.] I laughed many good belly laughs at this
ultimately sad movie about loss. The writers, Craig Kyle and
Christopher Yost, deserve a pat on the back for a funny, yet moving
script for the actors to work from. The comedic timing was spot on.
But the real credit for this revamping of the Thor character from the
more serious Thor: The Dark World back to a lovable buffoon,
who is sometimes clever and wise, goes to Chris
Instead
of what we've come to expect from almost all Hollywood action movies,
the female characters here weren't dumbed down or shown as weak or
fearful. In fact both Hela, played by Cate Blanchett, and the
Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, were not only superbly acted, but
kick-ass choreographed in the battles. It's refreshing to see that at
least Asgardian women know how to be fully developed characters. I
even saw a few random Asgardian women lifting swords to fight off
attackers.
According
to my husband, a long time Thor comic book reader, this movie offers
great fan service to the readers with cameos of Beta Ray Bill [It
was so short, I missed it.] and the Warriors Three defending Asgard
in Thor's absence. This movie was an all around hit with my family.
My 13 year old son says, “I think Marvel is really starting to
learn what fans like.” Though he likes Spiderman Homecoming
better.
Spoilers
Alert!
The
inclusion of Dr. Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, was
unnecessary [though fun] for the plot of this movie, but it's just
there to build up to the eventual showdown with Thanos that will draw
several MCU story lines together.
Karl
Urban as Skurge was a great casting choice. [Though I miss the Thor
like look he sported in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and
Return of the King.] His deep soulful expressions when he is
thinking things through really brought a character that I wouldn't
normally identify with at all to a good place where I cheered for his
redemption.
I
wonder what happened to Sif, played by Jamie Alexander? She's
included in the cast list. Perhaps we'll see her in an extended
edition. My husband pointed out with admiration that in fact there
really isn't a romance happening at all in this movie.
I
love seeing Thor and Bruce Banner trying to figure out Alien
technology.
Fenrir
was a good addition to the mix. Adding more of the Norse myth is
always good. [His Odin's family genealogy is not mentioned either.]
The whole inclusion of the back story on the Valkyrie and the younger
darker Odin were a great nod to the myths.
It
was nice to see Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, helping out. I loved
hearing Thor tell the stories of him and Loki as kids together. I
liked having Thor clever enough to see through Loki's shape changing
and astral projections. I suspect Thor of using reverse psychology on
his brother to get his help. Tricksters hate being predictable. In
some strange way I think Loki actually loves his brother deeply,
despite his compulsive betrayals. It's nice seeing a more developed
Loki.
I
feel the loss of Mjolnir, the city of Asgard, Odin and Thor's eye
deeply. I must say, though, that the look works on Thor and makes a
moving connection between father and son as the One-eyed god is an
iconic name for Odin. I predict we will see Mjolnir again, perhaps in
the hands of Beta Ray Bill.
I'm
super eager to see this again and for the next installment.
What
did you think about the movie? Please comment below and let me know!
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