Almost a standalone

Rating: Null/10 (3 November 2017)

The general movie audience would have by now been aware, even if vaguely, that this third instalment of Thor is different. The titular character is somewhat different from the one we know. While he keeps insisting that he is the "god of thunder" he comes across more as an everyday comic (as in funny) character. It may be a long shot but it could just be possible that the movie makers have seen Chris Hemsworth in "Ghostbusters" (2016), recognized his talents, and wrote his part accordingly in "Thor: Ragnarok". You can arguably call this a stand-alone movie. It happens mostly in the mythical worlds although there are brief glimpses of Earth.
The prologue has Thor suspended in chains, facing the demonic Surtur who swears to bring about Ragnarok (Norse mythology of massive battle resulting in the death of the gods Odin, Thor and Loki, among others) which, for this movie, accents on the total destruction of Asgard, Thor's homeland. With more-than-usual comic quips, a sign of things to come, the call-for-hammer routine plays out, as usual. Next, Thor gets to Asgard, "beam-me-up" fashion, and finds everything changed. For a start, the guardian of the portal who does the beaming is no longer Heimdall (Idris Elba) but a replacement called Skurge (Karl Urban, also known as Eomer or Bones). Most importantly, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) is purportedly on a self-imposed exile while Loki (Tom Hiddleston) seems to be in charge. Skipping some details, the brothers are in Earth next, seeking advice from Dr Strange (a delightful Benedict Cumberbatch). They find Odin in lonely contemplation on a breath-taking coastal cliff. Just as soon as Odin disappears after telling them about their first-born sister Hela (Cate Blanchett), she appears with lofty claims, including The Queen of Death. For the first time, Thor finds himself over-matched (well, maybe not, if you think of The Hulk). Far worse, his iconic hammer is shattered. If you think that there cannot be a Thor without his hammer, think again.
From this point, the story forks into parallel narratives. In Asgard, Hela take over, with a lot of killing. Thor finds himself, sans hammer, in a junkyard world called Sakaar, taken first by a bounty hunter Valkarie (an endearing Tessa Thompson) and then handed over to the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) who runs a gladiator joint. At the coliseum, overjoyed to find his opponent to be a "friend from work", Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor is soon dismayed when the latter tells him that "there is no Banner; only Hulk". The most enjoyable part of the movie is this sequence on Sakaar, essentially in watching the pair that critics variously liken to Bob Hope/Bing Crosby, Laurel/Hardy and, yes, Abbott Costello. Valkarie finally joins them forming a trio (reminding you of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman) with the quest of saving their homeland (not Banner's, but he'll help). Meanwhile, back in Asgard Heimdall, stealing the sword of the portal, leads a resurgence. Hela appoints Skurge "Executioner". Big brawl brewing.
This movie is rich in funnies. Here are just a few examples. 1. A comment on a three-prong wooden fork as a possible weapon is that "it is only useful against three vampires bundled together". 2. Someone casually calls Loki "lackey". 3. Thor, uncharacteristically cunning, tells Hulk that he does not like Banner, then later tells Banner that he does not like Hulk. There are a lot more of these moments.
Hemsworth's somewhat altered persona of Thor is well received by critics and audience alike. Ruffalo must be having a lot of fun perfecting what he does best, accentuating the battle of Hulk vs Banner. Hiddleston seems to be having an easy time with still a considerable share of screen time but playing a much less demanding role of a light(er)-weight side kick, a "god of mischief."
Valkarie is a successful newcomer, not the least because of good casting. When a man obviously totally stoned appears on a movie screen, it is usually a bore. But with a woman drunk and stumbling all over the place, as in Thompson's first appearance as Valkarie, there is undeniably a certain charm. When later it is revealed that the taking to alcohol is to drown some painful memories, the heroine has the audience's heart. Valkarie takes on the name of her entire people of Asgard female warriors because she is the only survivor after the massive slaughter by Hela. Thompson ably delivers this engaging character.
The demand on Blanchett from this movie would be just a fraction of the Oscar Winning "Blue Jasmine" (2013). I cannot fault her portrayal of pure evil here but personally much prefer Galadriel in the LORT trilogy. Of the other newcomers, Goldblum and Urban carry their roles with sufficient authority, while Cumberbatch is an iconic cameo. Of the regulars, Hopkins and Elba have small parts only, but are good to see. I am also pleased to see Tadanobu Asano reprising Hogun, albeit just brief appearance at the beginning. Oh yes, you will see Scarlett Johansson as Natasha, if you don't blink.