Movie Review: 'Thor: Ragnarok' is a super funny superhero flick

Let's face it, Thor is hardly the Beyoncé of the Marvel cinematic universe. With Captain America, Spider-Man and Wolverine in the mix, the Asgardian god has largely been an afterthought in the world of comic-book heroes.

Enter one Chris Hemsworth and the franchise seems to have been electrocuted back to life by the Australian actor's commanding presence and ridiculously good looks. Which is probably how the Thor series is now in it's third installment, with its best offering yet.

Thor: Ragnarok is a two-hour intergalactic ride with a refreshingly comedic twist like we have not experienced with the Norse god superhero.

The plot is typically Marvelesque, comprising a grand impending disaster (courtesy of a disgruntled villain) that a gang of the superpowered must face, peppered with epic fight scenes.

In this installment, the story unfolds with Thor imprisoned in some trippy part of the universe, a planet called Sakaar, without his mighty hammer, while his newfound elder sister Hela (Cate Blanchett) runs amok at home in Asgard destroying all who aren't quite up for being ruled by her.

In a race against time as Thor tries to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, he must survive a deadly gladiatorial showdown that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger - the now-talking Incredible Hulk.

Cue a Thor film like never before courtesy of indie director Taika Waititi, who delivers a welcome departure from the darker, more serious, previous offerings. The film takes its colourful, comedic direction from the eccentric Waititi who is said to have included secret references to his native New Zealand and neighbouring Australia (where the film was shot), including the colours of the Aboriginal flag on one of the spaceships.

Through his refreshing vision we spend parts of the film on Sakaar, a visual joy that feels like an extraterrestrial throwback to an '80s disco party, deejayed by the planet's ruler, Grandmaster, played Jeff Goldblum. Goldblum is excellent as the weird, blue-stripe-on-chin despot who is keeping the God of Thunder from his family squabble.

HELLA FIERCE

Another standout performance comes from Tessa Thompson, who brings to life Valkyrie in an effortless, badass incarnation. The actress announces her arrival in the world of superheroes with a bang, holding her own among the more established characters.

As usual, Tom Hiddleston's Loki delivers. The English actor is his usual charming self and the interplay between him and a now funnier Thor are cinematic gold.

WATCH | The trailer for Thor: Ragnarok 

In a somewhat wasted role is Blanchett who deserved more than the typical latex/leather jumpsuit-clad evil queen we've come to expect, but, with what the Oscar winner had to work with, Blanchett delivers a hella fierce villain, perhaps one of the most powerful and violent we've seen from the Marvel studios.

Hela is also the first leading female villain to be portrayed in a Marvel Studios' feature, yes in 2017... let that sink in.

Plot holes, over-the-top stunt work and liberal use of CGI aside, Thor: Ragnarok is a fun, pacy romp. And even though Thor has lost his ability to summon his hammer, he has managed to acquire the ultimate chick magnet: a sense of humour, which delivers a film punctuated with well-timed comedic moments that keep the film lighthearted yet engaging.

Here's hoping Waititi stays on to bring us more hilariously irreverent superheroes, returning to the roots of comic-book heroes.

WHAT OTHER REVIEWERS SAY ABOUT THOR: RAGNAROK

• Thor: Ragnarok . . . works so many of your taste receptors simultaneously: it’s funny, charming, dazzling, gorgeously designed, and full of actors you already like.” -The Telegraph, Robbie Collin

• While Ragnarok’s story is an aimless mess, you won’t stop laughing.” - Entertainment Weekly, Chris Nashawaty

• Pretty much skippable, although it’s not without its pleasures.” - Variety, Peter Debruge

• It throws up its hands at its own ridiculousness and plays it all for laughs — and it gets them.” - The Guardian, Steve Rose

5 MINUTES WITH CATE BLANCHETT

What is it like to work with Chris Hemsworth?

People assume because we're Australian, and a relatively small company of actors often working abroad, that we all know one another. But I had never met Chris. We've got friends in common, but I'd never met him.

I don't know if I have any particular anecdotes except that I've never met a more generous, egoless performer than Chris. He's incredible to work with. He holds this whole behemoth together. Like a lot of us are riding on his shoulders and what shoulders they are. I mean he can carry us. But he's so easy. His performance seems effortless but of course it's not.

Is this the most physical role you've ever taken on?

I think so. I'm pretty physical when I'm on stage. Indiana Jones was quite physical. But in terms of hand-to-hand combat, this definitely wins. And that's been part of what I've relished, actually. And I enjoyed working with Zoë Bell, who is the most extraordinary stuntperson and also a wonderful actor.

Some of the happiest times on this film for me have been beating people up. I've really enjoyed it. I was like, "Oh, I don't have to speak today. I can just throw axes into someone's gut and decapitate that person there." So, it's been good.

How much fun has it been to play a demoness?

I've had incredible fun playing with Hela because I think her capabilities are so surprising and so unusual. She's not simply sinister. She also sometimes doesn't want to kill people. There's a bit of mischief in there, and playfulness. And certainly, under Taika's tutelage that comes out.

I hope audiences are in for a roller-coaster ride with Hela.