The early word on Thor: Ragnarok is astoundingly good (and getting better). We’re just a couple weeks away from wide release and comments are ranging from “hilarious” to “fantastic” to “best of the Thor movies” — OK, that last quote is a bit of a backhanded compliment, but you get the idea. Director Taika Waititi encouraged his cast to improvise while imbuing the film with bright colors, giant monsters, and an epic villain — Cate Blanchett’s Hela — that many are ranking as Marvel’s best (after Loki, naturally).
So, what’s the secret sauce in Thor: Ragnarok? A female villain? a rebooted Thor? A cosmic adventure coupled with the ultimate tale from Norse mythology? A talking Hulk? Probably all of the above. We’re at the height of the MCU’s power, and yet Marvel is pushing a whole lotta chips to the center of the table… looks like their bet hit big.
Related – Thor: Ragnarok Early Reactions Calling Film Hilarious, Solid Fun
Today we get an analysis from Guardians of the Galaxy mastermind James Gunn, via Facebook, who just saw Thor: Ragnarok and can’t wait to tell us about it:
“I loved it. I sat in the ‘director’s row’ with the Jons (Favreau and Watts) and Captain Marvel’s Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, and Favreau and I laughed loudly, perhaps even inappropriately so, at nearly everything Jeff Goldblum did. In fact, I might say the Grandmaster is my new favorite character in the Marvel universe.”
Word on Goldblum’s performance is very good, a showstopper and a scene-stealer that guy. But what really grabbed Gunn’s attention was the throwback feel to the movie:
“I don’t think any film of the modern era has captured the batshit crazy fun of 80’s classics like Flash Gordon and Buckaroo Banzai as well as Taika Waititi has here. I felt like I was fourteen watching a magical VHS tape that exploded into something grand. It’s the most colorful of all Marvel films — I mean, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is practically sepia-tone in comparison — and it’s also the funniest.”
That sense of absolute bananas is undeniably part of the appeal of this film. Gunn also takes note of other performances too:
“I think Chris Hemsworth is finally able to go full-Thor and full-Hemsworth, charming and hilarious. Tessa Thompson is perfect as Valkyrie (my other new favorite character), and Taika as Korg steals every scene he’s in. In casting that role, I think Taika was very lucky that Kronans have the same exact accent as New Zealanders.”
That’s right, if you haven’t heard, Waititi plays a cameo role of Korg, which you can see below (you’re welcome):
Gunn closes by reminding everyone that he’s neither a plant nor a shill, he’s James freaking Gunn and bows to no man, but would certainly appreciate a polite Facebook response:
“Please comment below, but leave out the ones where you accuse me of loving the movie because I have to love the movie because I work for Marvel. Because the simple truth is, I don’t have to do anything, and I haven’t loved all of the movies since I’ve been at Marvel. So there.”
Well played, sir. Well played indeed.
Were you on the fence about Thor: Ragnarok until James Gunn showed you the high sign? Let us know in the comments down below!
Thor: Ragnarok hits theaters on November 3, 2017.
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SOURCE: Facebook