Thor: Tag der Entscheidung (Thor: Ragnarok)
U.S.A. 2017

Opening 26 Oct 2017

Directed by: Taika Waititi
Writing credits: Eric Pearson, Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost
Principal actors: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum

Aging Odin (Anthony 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 (Mark 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, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, and Benedict 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. (Becky Tan)