Taika Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok (2017) was a bold and joyous reinvention of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Norse god of thunder. After two relatively serious and traditional entries in the Thor franchise, Ragnarok flipped the script, embracing a vibrant, comedic, and gloriously absurd tone that breathed new life into both its titular hero and the MCU itself. The result is a film that balances laugh-out-loud humour, dazzling visuals, and heartfelt character moments, earning its place as one of Marvel’s finest achievements.
At its core, Thor: Ragnarok is a story about identity, family, and the responsibilities of power. Thor (Chris Hemsworth), stripped of his mighty hammer Mjolnir, finds himself stranded on the chaotic planet Sakaar. He must escape its gladiatorial arenas and return to Asgard to stop the apocalyptic prophecy known as Ragnarok, orchestrated by his long-lost sister, the death goddess Hela (Cate Blanchett). Along the way, Thor reunites with old allies, forms unexpected new friendships, and confronts his own limitations as a leader.
Chris Hemsworth’s performance as Thor is a revelation. While he had already established himself as a charismatic action hero, Ragnarok showcases his impeccable comedic timing and willingness to poke fun at his character’s previous stoic persona. Hemsworth’s Thor is still a mighty warrior, but he’s also self-deprecating, impulsive, and endearingly flawed, making him more relatable and compelling than ever before.
The supporting cast is equally exceptional. Cate Blanchett’s Hela exudes menacing elegance as the film’s primary antagonist, commanding every scene with her regal presence and ruthless determination. Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie, a hard-drinking and battle-weary warrior, is a standout addition to the MCU. Her chemistry with Hemsworth adds depth to their dynamic, and her arc from reluctant ally to fierce protector of Asgard is both satisfying and empowering. Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster, the eccentric ruler of Sakaar, is a comedic delight, delivering every line with his signature blend of charm and unpredictability.
Mark Ruffalo’s return as Bruce Banner/The Hulk brings an intriguing layer to the story. The dynamic between Thor and the Hulk is one of the film’s highlights, blending buddy-comedy antics with moments of genuine emotional connection. Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s perpetually scheming brother, continues to evolve as one of the MCU’s most complex characters. His reluctant partnership with Thor adds another layer of humour and heart to the film.
Taika Waititi’s direction is nothing short of visionary. From the film’s opening moments, it’s clear that Ragnarok is unlike anything Marvel had attempted before. Waititi infuses the film with his signature humour and irreverence, while still delivering high-stakes action and emotionally resonant storytelling. His decision to embrace the cosmic weirdness of Jack Kirby’s original comic book designs results in a visual feast, with Sakaar’s neon-drenched landscapes and Hela’s shadowy Asgardian invasions serving as stunning backdrops to the story.
The film’s comedic tone is one of its defining features. Waititi and his team of writers balance sharp wit with absurdist humour, creating a film that never takes itself too seriously while still respecting its characters and themes. The comedic timing is impeccable, with standout moments like Thor’s encounter with the rock-skinned revolutionary Korg (voiced by Waititi himself) and the over-the-top gladiator battle between Thor and Hulk.
Musically, Thor: Ragnarok is a triumph. Mark Mothersbaugh’s synth-heavy score captures the retro-futuristic vibe of the film, blending epic orchestral themes with electronic flourishes. The use of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” during two of the film’s most thrilling action sequences is inspired, perfectly encapsulating Thor’s mythic power and the film’s rock-and-roll sensibility.
Beneath the humour and spectacle, Thor: Ragnarok is a deeply emotional film. It explores themes of loss, legacy, and redemption as Thor grapples with the destruction of Asgard and his own evolving sense of identity. The relationship between Thor and Loki, long defined by rivalry and betrayal, takes on new layers of complexity as they confront their shared history and uncertain futures. Hela’s emergence forces Thor to reckon with the darker aspects of Asgard’s past, adding weight to his journey as a leader and protector.
Visually, Thor: Ragnarok is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colour palette, inspired by the work of comic book legend Jack Kirby, sets it apart from the muted tones of earlier MCU entries. The design of Sakaar—a chaotic, junk-filled world ruled by the Grandmaster—is particularly striking, blending retro-futurism with an otherworldly aesthetic. The action sequences are equally dazzling, from the gladiator arena showdown to the climactic battle on the Bifrost Bridge.
Revisiting Thor: Ragnarok in 2025, it’s clear that the film has only grown in stature. Its influence can be seen in subsequent Marvel entries that have embraced more daring and comedic tones, but more importantly, it remains a joyous celebration of storytelling, character, and the sheer fun of superhero cinema.
Thor: Ragnarok is more than just a great Marvel movie—it’s a testament to the power of creative reinvention. Taika Waititi’s bold vision, combined with stellar performances and a deeply human story, makes it a standout entry not just in the MCU, but in modern blockbuster filmmaking. It’s a film that invites audiences to laugh, cheer, and reflect, proving that even in the face of Ragnarok, there’s always room for hope and heroism.
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