A non-spoiler review of Marvel’s latest action adventure.
THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER
I liked this movie – even though the most recent wacky trailer put me off, and I’d prefer to see a tougher Thor). It retains the lurches in tone just like Ragnarok (for me, a comedy ruined by the serious stuff, or an action drama softened by jokes), but LOVE AND THUNDER is neither as wacky nor as silly as some have said. It’s a wild, imaginative and fun ride.
The story is good, although a little undermined by some of the humour, and there’s one long and ultimately unnecessary sequence, but the jokes in context are mostly fun, the action is exciting and performances work.
I think Chris Hemsworth is closest to the first Thor film here, funny, earnest and tough. It’s a relief to see him put aside the Irn Bru and get back in shape through a training montage™.
Christian Bale‘s villain is scary, with a decent motivation which is well staged at the beginning of the film.
Copyright: ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
I’d prefer less of the sillier moments as there are two big emotional stories in there that really got under my skin. Rumour has it that there is a four hour cut full of crazy Pythonesque improv – glad that’s not on show.
There a running gag with Mjolnir and Stormbreaker which pays off well, and those screaming giant goats as seen in the trailer actually work. There are also a couple of action moments which are great to see (one involving Mjolnir, and one a group of children).
I find Taika Waititi‘s humour funny (please seek out THE HUNT THE WILDERPEOPLE), but struggle with it in superhero action adventures.
It’s great to see Natalie Portman back with a serious Jane Foster story, and some awesome Mighty Thor scenes.
Copyright: ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
My wife loved the humour, and the music, and our seven year old found it creepy, funny, sad and action packed. Families, beware of MULTIPLE uses of the word “shitty” and of course Chris Hemsworth buns.
The film is a fun colourful romp with a lot of heart, and the two hour duration flies past (helped by Guns and Roses, Abba, and rousing Michael Giacchino score), but I can’t help feeling that excising some of the silliness would have made it a cracking 100 minute adventure.
Source: IMP AWARDS
Release Date: July 8, 2022
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, Christian Bale, Taika Waititi
Director: Taika Waititi
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