Directed by Taika Waititi

I had serious reservations going into this movie. It appeared to be yet another straight-up comedy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Even the name “Ragnarok” hints at a more serious, epic, action-oriented tone, and this film didn’t appear to be very gritty or stoic. But, I’m happy to admit, I really enjoyed this film after all. I’d consider its quality in the upper half of the MCU ranking. It certainly has problems in its details, but overall, is a great character movie with creative action and good humor.

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) breaks free from capture of a monster named Surtur (Clancy Brown), ranting about destroying Asgard. The monster is easily defeated in an epic action scene, the type of action I wanted more of this movie. Thor goes back home where Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has been disguising himself as Odin (Anthony Hopkins) since Thor 2. What annoyed me is when Thor confronts Loki, Loki is watching a reenactment of the most dramatic scene from Thor 2, when we thought Loki died. The post-credit scene of that movie showed us it was yet another one of Loki’s tricks, sapping all of the drama out of that scene. It was strange this movie went out of its way to remind us of one of the most hated moments of the MCU. Loki’s rule appears to be of little consequence as well. Asgard isn’t thrown into a dictatorship, and everything appears to be fine.

A new villain, Hela (Cate Blanchett), who is revealed to be the eldest sibling of Thor and Loki, returns to conquer Asgard and all other realms. The explanations of why she’s been forced away, and how she has suddenly returned, was glossed over and not explained. Regardless, Hela is one of the movie’s best characters, and one of the best villains of the MCU. Blanchett is both dark, sexy, scary, intelligent, and charismatic. She picks up a sidekick, Skurge (Karl Urban), who is a character played for laughs. He brags to two women how he found two AR-15’s from a place called “Tex-ass” on Midgar, and is shown playing with a Shake-Weight. I was disappointed because I was hoping for at least one character in this film who’s job isn’t to be simultaneously serious and comedic.

To keep Thor out of her way, Hela sends him away to a planet where he’s captured and forced to compete in a gladiatorial tournament. This is where the bulk of the middle of the film takes place. The very first trailer spoiled the fact that Thor has found the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), who is the arena champion, and who has been missing since Avengers: Age of Ultron. Being locked up in the barracks together, Thor and Hulk get some quality hang out time which was fun. Another character enters the cast, Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), who is well acted, but not necessary for the story. She could be completely omitted and it would have made for more time for more important characters.

Loki has been hanging out on this tournament world for a while, and in unexplained ways (a theme of this movie), has befriended the leader of this world named the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum), and thus is not locked up like Thor or Hulk. The Grandmaster is the best character in the movie and it’s a shame we don’t see more of Goldblum hamming it up as this eccentric version of Jabba the Hutt. Most of the cast seems like they had a great time making this movie, and it shows in their performances.

One of my favorite parts of the movie was the time Thor spent with Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) when he’s looking for a way back to Asgard. It showed Strange as a more confident wizard, and shows some of the potential he may have in future movies. It gets me excited for what his true potential will become, especially as one of the most mature Avengers.

I was thoroughly surprised by Thor: Ragnarok, and while the “Ragnarok” part of it is more of a sub-plot, the characters on screen were charming and very entertaining. Humor was used a bit too much, breaking up dramatic moments a little too often, but the movie’s other qualities made up for my nit-picks. Marvel is definitely using their “Guardians of the Galaxy” formula here, and I suspect originally there was more emphasis on drama rather than comedy. This film will certainly entertain audiences, but for a crowd who wants something more grounded or serious, may be disappointed. The talent behind and in front of the cameras is overwhelming, and with whatever tone a film goes for, I like seeing professionals enjoy their (in this case Jolly Rancher-tinted) jobs.