A good time at the Cineplex

Rating: 8/10 (4 November 2017)

Of all the Marvel properties put upon screen thus far, the THOR franchise was one that I was the least connected with. I think that is because it is set on an alien world and was Shakespearean in scope and style and was so earnest and serious in it's approach.
All that has changed with the newest entry in this series, THOR:RAGNAROK. While we return to the Shakespearean alien world and people, the mood has lightened substantially and Director Taiki Waititi (HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE) has brought his substantial comedic chops to a franchise that desperately needed to "lighten up".
And, from the start, lighten up is what THOR: RAGNAROK does. Taking a page from the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY playbook, THOR:RAGNAROK starts out on a comedic tone and places it's tongue firmly in it's cheek for the entire film.
Not to say there isn't serious moments and action big action set pieces, just the contrary. The comedy helps lighten the mood, so when a serious moment hits, it is much more impactfull.
As for the cast, Chris Hemsworth has the role of Thor down pat and he (and his muscles) control the screen anytime he is on it. Tom Hiddleston, as Thor's brother Loki, has tremendous screen chemistry with Hemsworth, and he also has his role down pat. Add to them newcomer (at least to this series) Tessa Thompson as Valkerie and a certain large, green HULK and we have the makings of a fun team.
As the villain, Cate Blanchett was born to play Hela - the goddess of death. She struts onto the screen with her signature smirk and you know she is in control and Thor has his hands full - which he does. Aiding her is a reluctant henchman played by the always good Karl Urban and Idris Elba reprises his role as Helmdal while Sir Anthony Hopkins shows up, briefly, as Odin. All welcome sights on screen.
There also is a fun cameo from another member of the Marvel Universe (though I will not name this character). Suffice it to say, it was fun to see this character.
And, finally, there is Jeff Goldblum as THE GRANDMASTER. It's about time that someone discovered a role that Goldblum can go "full Goldblum" on - and they finally did. He is a highlight of this film and I, for one, would be thrilled if the spoken about spin off featuring THE GRANDMASTER and Benicio Del Toro's THE COLLECTOR takes shape.
Finally, special notice needs to be made for the rock creature, Korg (voiced by Director Waititi) - he becomes the heart and soul of this film in his all too brief appearances on screen.
All in all, a good time at the movies. Check out THOR:RAGNAROK, you'll have a fun time.
Letter Grade: A-
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)