Thor: Love and Thunder
***SOME SPOILERS AHEAD***
It’s officially Taika Waititi week! One of the best shows on television, What We Do in the Shadows, comes back on Tuesday, but the director/actor/comedian/genius hits the big screen first with the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. To be honest, the MCU has been tiresome for me lately– you can read my review of the last Spider-Man here (I’ll admit I judged it too harshly, but I stand by the fact that it was just ok). In addition, the constant barrage of TV shows has been overwhelmingly underwhelming (save for the pleasantly simple Hawkeye) and Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness was one of the most disappointing films I’ve seen in a long time. So, what would the result be here? Another successful Waititi-directed space-adventure? Or a continuing trend of forgetful superhero exploits? Well, I’m glad to say that Thor: Love and Thunder was worth the opening day trip.
Thor: Love and Thunder is a great example of what superhero movies should be. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, it moves along at a quick pace, and it was flat-out fun. Let me explain.
First, this film was legitimately funny. Russell Crowe, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson– all exceptional actors who thrived in each scene. The dialogue had a natural flow that at times almost seemed like improv, and was written in that distinctful “I may or may not know I’m being stupid but nobody is perfect” Waititi manner. Not to mention Melissa McCarthy joining Matt Damon’s Asgardian actors club, or the wonderful acting of the kids in the film.
Equally important to the laughs, however, was the pace. The film is a tight two hours. Just as a scene felt like it might be going on too long, a grand entrance or exit was quickly made. Part of this was accomplished with a rather cheesy voice over, but it kinda worked to accent the rom-com genre flair (more on that in a bit). There was a clear story arc, characters were developed, stakes explained and yet nothing was rushed. A difficult yet noteworthy accomplishment that was very professionally and expertly achieved.
And you don’t need to have seen thousands of other films and shows to get the references. There’s no quantum time travel or fan-casted cameos. Instead, the subtle references are about the ancient Greeks, pop culture (like a rock named Dwayne!), or bao. The theater was full of loud 13-year old kids, families, and several solo movie goers of varying ages– yet there was something in Thor for all of them.
That brings me back to the main point: Thor: Love and Thunder was fun! The rom-com element pulled us in emotionally, yes, and the ending sequence when the title is revealed generated a legit awwww from the audience. The overarching theme, however, was classic, summer-popcorn, superhero fun. Action, evil, redemption, and most of all, saving the day. The film felt like it came straight from a comic book, just enhanced by a little movie magic. Does it do anything new for the genre, like Thor: Ragnarok? No, not really. But maybe, by bringing us back to the adventurous superhero feelings of old, Love and Thunder accomplishes something just as important.
I don’t think anyone will put Thor: Love and Thunder at the top of their movie list. That being said, you’d be wise to jump in your goat-pulled rocketship and watch it on a big screen as soon as you can. It makes for a quite enjoyable two hour ride.
editorial note: How did I forget about Christian Bale? The opening scene is remarkable, and he is a memorable villain. At the very least, see this movie for another textbook performance by of the most incredible actors we’ve ever seen.
