Director: Taika Waititi.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Mark Ruffalo, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban.
It’s probably the wackiest, craziest and funniest film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe which is actually very fitting as we approach the eventually merging for Infinity Wars. The crossover of vibrant cosmic style lays the perfect foundation as the connecting piece between Guardians of the Galaxy and the rest of the previous MCU.
But does Waititi addition go too far with the comedy element? Where he actually purposefully capitalises on Hemsworth’s comedic talents and uses Big China in Little China as one of the key influences. I can’t really see it that much myself, and although being a massive fan of Carpenter’s Jack Burton, I’m actually glad it’s not in your face.
The film does feel loose at times and that’s probably with Waititi reporting the script being 80% ad-libbed which might seem too casual for such a mammoth project and certainly gives reason to noticeable cursing. Though, I love Waititi’s approach and style with his Hunt For The Wilderpeople being one of my favourite films of 2016; he’s managed to capture the essence of the Marvel films whilst putting his own spin on things.
It might be me forgetting where we left off with Civil War and Doctor Strange but as to how Thor gets to where he is slips my mind. There’s a few other issues that doesn’t seem to be explored enough like the missing characters of Sif and Portman’s Jane (who’s reportedly said she will no longer be doing Comic Book movies.) but these little cracks in the storyline can be easily overlooked, though might be more prevalent if watched altogether as a marathon.
It appears to be based heavily on the Thor’s comic of Ragnarok thrown in with some of Planet Hulk and the Contest of Champions storylines. Asgard is under threat and it seems to be some more sibling rivalry with the arrival of Hela, Goddess of Death who is played superbly by an unrecognisable Cate Blanchett. Never have I seen her in such a role and she was simply amazing and totally stunning as the first female badass super villain of the MCU. Thor is banished and ends up on some distant rock in the universe, made a gladiator and unconventionally reunited with The Hulk among others.
Now Hulk and Thor’s relationship is brilliant and provides majority of the laughs in the film. Though, Thor is very much the star of this picture it’s hard to ignore the chemistry and banter between the two super knuckleheads. Hulk wasn’t originally going to be apart of this film, but you’ll be so glad he is.
There’s a lot going on, but not so much you lose track or get confused. Waititi possibly flukes a superb balance of the entwined storylines with a massive number of both new and old characters, and a long list of brilliant cameos. Loki’s character is on point, The ever-changing, deceitful and mischievous God, never knowing which side he’s going to be on and Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie is a welcome addition and her inspiration behind her character being Terminator’s Sarah Connor is as clear as day. Goldblum is perfect as the crazed and quirky Grandmaster host of the arena who is just one of many of the likeable characters.
One of the trailers does tell a slightly different story to what we see on the big screen but I suppose this was to avoid some major spoilers; and there’s certainly a more cosmic direction the films are going in, especially with that vibrant, totemic poster that's almost kaleidoscopic.
Overall it’s a lot of fun, but maybe just a little too much in the comedy direction? It’s not one of the best, but certainly is one of the funniest. I just can’t wait till Infinity Wars now!
Running Time: 8
The Cast: 9
Performance: 8
Direction: 7
Story: 7
Script: 7
Creativity: 8
Soundtrack: 8
Job Description: 8
The Extra Bonus Point: 10 for Blanchett's Hela of a villian.
80% 8/10
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