Sorry, I'm Just a Little Thor

The newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Ragnarok, was a smash hit with critics and viewers alike. It earned $121 million just in its opening weekend and has a current critic approval rating of 93 percent.

I had the opportunity to see it right when it opened and if asked if I would recommend it to others, I would have to say yes. I would also say that it was a funny, action-packed adventure that included the delightful acting skills of talented folk such as Jeff Goldblum and Rachel House. Would I see it again? Yes. Will I buy the DVD? Yes. Was it Thor? No, it certainly was not.

As a stand-alone movie, it worked and worked well. Attached to the other two Thor movies, it just doesn’t make sense. The intellect, attitude and motivations of the Thor in Ragnarok seemed like the makings of an entirely different character. I was not the only one to notice the change, but I seem to be alone in finding the change disappointing. This review by Barry Hertz echoes what many critics had to say: “The idea of pairing the oft-dull Thor with a series of oddball companions is an inspired, if necessary, move – so much so that it's baffling it has taken Marvel this long to smarten up.”

Ragnarok was applauded for moving the Thor franchise in the direction of films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, infused with constant comedic antics. It also moved away from the original Thor movie, which only garnered an overall approval rating of 77 percent. Again, I diverge somewhat from the general consensus. Maybe it’s my respect for Kenneth Branagh or my love of all things Shakespeare, but I thoroughly enjoyed the debut of Thor. I also thought he made a good, more stern foil to characters such as Tony Stark.

Part of the shift for Thor came from director Taika Waititi who is known for his humorous works (his wonderful humorous works. Seriously, if you’re not familiar with his other movies, do yourself a favor and go binge). Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, was also onboard for the change: “"I was sick of me as this character, and so was Taika,” Hemsworth said. “And we both got together and said, ‘Let’s just wreck everything and redo it.'"

Well, then you and Daniel Craig can get together and go cry in a corner about what a burden it is to be the star of a successful franchise. Must be rough.

It might seem strange to have such a strong objection to a movie I stated I enjoyed and intend to own. Simply put, I have the same problem with Ragnarok I do with so many of the remakes and sequels being currently made: regardless of the quality of the film, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.