Comedy plays a big part in making 'Thor: Ragnarok' finest film of series

Chris Hemsworth's steady banter with his co-stars adds layers to the film's appeal

The 17th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Thor: Ragnarok is the last in the Thor sub-franchise, and visually by far the most stimulating. Helmed by Kiwi director Taika Waititi, the film has what the previous Thor films lacked sorely — comedy and colour; and it has them in spades. The film’s run time of 130 minutes is longer than most Hollywood films, but it manages to hold the audiences’ attention for every minute.

Chris Hemsworth as Thor is seen in a new look in Ragnarok, without his long golden locks, and also without Mjolnir — his seemingly indestructible hammer, which is shattered by villainess Hela at the start of the movie. What he acquires in return is the gift of the gab. The steady banter with his co-stars adds layers to the film’s appeal. Hemsworth is joined by Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk), Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie) and Jeff Goldblum (Grandmaster). Franchise regulars Anthony Hopkins (Odin) and Idris Elba (Heimdall) reprise their roles for the third outing, along with new addition, Cate Blanchett, as the Goddess of Death, Hela. 

These new entrants are cast well, with each bringing individual quirks to the table. Goldblum is delightfully self-indulgent, matching the eccentricity of his character with ease. Blanchett, as the power-hungry and ruthless Hela who takes herself too seriously, is a treat to watch. Waititi also features on the cast, delightfully as the voice of Korg, a peripheral character who provides many of the film’s understated comedic moments. 

Though the comic scenes featuring only Hemsworth seem a bit forced, once he is joined by Ruffalo and/or Hiddleston, the laughs come easily. The rivalry between Thor and Loki has been well established in the comics and, by now, in the MCU as well. The banter and camaraderie between Banner/Hulk and Thor are refreshing. “He’s a friend from work!” does not sound jaded, even after seeing it over and over again in the promos.

Ruffalo excels as both the confident Hulk and the not-so-self-assured Bruce Banner. This is the first time audiences will see the Hulk say more than “Smash”, and the writers do not disappoint. The dialogues also serve to tie up the loose ends, such as the evident absence of Thor’s lady love, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). The writers address the issue in a way that seems to come naturally to them — through a witty exchanges that explain the matter, and which make for a few laughs. 

The film’s music adds to its thrill. Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” was featured in the first trailer of the film, and its charm works in the movie as well, lifting the action scenes. 

Much like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Ragnarok takes place in parallel places — shifting from Asgard to Earth to Sakaar (where Thor and the Hulk reunite) and back to Asgard for the final showdown. The story may seem patchy in places, especially with Hela in Asgard, but the events on Earth and Sakaar are captivating enough to keep the viewers’ interest. Perhaps Hela’s screen time could have been longer, but then the film is already a hefty two-hours-and-10-minutes long.

A significant criticism to be made against Thor: Ragnarok could, in fact, be one of its strongest assets — the comedy. Given the storyline and the impending annihilation of Asgard (“Ragnarok” translates into “the final destruction of the world”), the film could have taken a darker, grittier tone. Having said that, there is no dearth of brooding superheroes on the big screen today, and the colourful, witty tone of the film is more in line with the MCU. 

Thor: Ragnarok is by far the best Thor film, which ends the sub-franchise on a high. Is this the best Marvel film to date? The jury is out on that one, though personally, Civil War still stakes claim to that accolade.