Thor: Ragnarok Review - Mighty enjoyable big-screen entertainment

LM Kaushik

Superhero fantasy film Thor: Ragnarok is the sequel to the earlier two Thor films and totally the 17th film featuring 'Marvel' superheroes. The film offers immense entertainment and will be a joyride in theatres thanks to the extravagant visual effects, the action scenes and of course the presence of the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). As with other superhero films, suspend disbelief and just enjoy the action which has been mounted on a typically grand scale.

The plot is about Thor and his team saving the people of Asgard from the tyrannous 'Goddess of Death' Hela, who also happens to be his elder sister. There is a brief stopover at garbage planet Sakaar and this is the best part of the fare, thanks to the Gladiator-like faceoff between Thor and The Hulk. The film is also packed with smart, funny lines which add to the package and offer variety; this is not just action featuring mighty superheroes!

As expected, the film ends with the promise for more and we can be assured of a sequel in the coming years. Coming to hero Chris Hemsworth, his incredible looks (in two varying hair styles), easy charisma and physique are a delight to watch. Playing Thor seems like second nature to him now! Cate Blanchett plays the evil Hela; and this is a one-note performance from her. The Hulk has to be among the most likable monsters and it's a riot whenever he appears on screen. His lingo will make you chuckle. Mark Ruffalo gets limited screen time, when he brings out some subtle humour as Dr.Bruce Banner. Legend Anthony Hopkins is another actor with a limited presence here, as Odin.

Among the other characters, Thor's adoptive brother Loki, Scrapper 142 (also an Asgardian Valkyrie), Heimdall, Grandmaster (who rules Sakaar) and Korg (the cute, soft-spoken Gladiator made of rocks) have substantial parts to play. We also have the likes of Brad Pitt and Luke Hemsworth in cameo appearances, early on in the film.

Bottomline

The latest edition of Thor will engage not just loyal fans of the Marvel franchise but also on-off viewers who decide to just check in for some entertainment. All age groups of viewers shall be hooked!

Rating 3.5 / 5