Hero muscles in on a new comic genre
IN Thor: Ragnarok, the hammer comes down as usual, but the humour goes up in a whole new way for a Marvel superhero movie.
It is definitely no classic, but an appreciably looser, livelier approach will reinvigorate those beginning to tire of the standard Marvel formula.
The stunning visuals and top-notch production values are also certain to spark renewed interest in the Gold Coast as a state-of-the-art movie production hub.
While much of it was filmed at Village Roadshow Studios at Oxenford, Tamborine Mountain, the Coomera Quarry and Brisbane CBD are also used as evocative backdrops.
This is the third bigscreen solo outing for Thor, and he has never been in better form.
The first thing you notice about Thor: Ragnarok is that while it supplies the kind of sprawling action spectacle Marvel is renowned for, it is also a sly, dry comedy packed with deadpan punchlines and absurd sight gags.
The good-natured goofiness is the handiwork of New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi, fresh off his 2016 global sleeper hit Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
When Waititi and an openly enthusiastic cast – led by Australian duo Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and Cate Blanchett as his evil older sister Hela – get the laughs going on a roll, the movie’s charm is irresistible.
In spite of Thor’s longstanding association with The Avengers, this lighter, brighter vibe leaves Ragnarok often feeling like a Guardians of the Galaxy spin-off.
So what does the word Ragnarok mean exactly? Well, it is the realisation of an ancient prophecy forecasting the complete obliteration of Thor’s beloved home realm of Asgard.
For the bulk of the film there is precious little the titular hero can do about this bleak situation.
Not only has the villainous Hela taken control of Asgard, Thor is being held captive on the planet Sakaar by a freaky fight impresario (Jeff Goldblum), who is promoting a stadium slugfest that will pit Thor against his old Avengers pal The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).
Thor’s only chance of wriggling free from this bind is to get on the good side of fiery bounty hunter Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and form a reliable alliance with his devious brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston).
There are sections of the movie where it doesn’t quite strike the right balance between its mythical obligations and mirthful intentions. But there is a fresh energy and endearingly laid-back style that will hopefully turn the page to a whole new chapter in the Marvel playbook.