Thor
2011, Marvel Studios
I'll confess here and now that I thoroughly enjoy Thor, which can be attributed largely to Chris Hemsworth, who's possessed of an irresistible, earnest, indomitable charm. But much credit must also go to many of the other characters inhabiting the strangely delightful mythological universe conjured by Stan Lee, most notably Tom Hiddleston as Loki, and the legendary Anthony Hopkins as King Odin. Director Kenneth Branagh imbues all of the silly proceedings with such noble gravitas that it comes off as (unintentional?) high camp; I'm also perpetually amazed at how the actors—Hemsworth in particular—can spout utter nonsense with such conviction that you totally buy into it. Plus, the enormous, lavish sets create the perfect stage for such a broad spectacle. Bravo!
DKS 12/17/17
GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:
Thor: The Dark World
2013, Marvel Studios
Alan Taylor rendered a rather different take on Thor than Kenneth Branagh, although it still totally works; the lighter touch makes the characters more human and approachable—in particular, Chris Hemsworth's charm is allowed to blossom. But, as so often happens in such franchises, the plot becomes more complex, the effects more dominant. All the same, it's still an enjoyable way to spend two hours.
DKS 12/17/17
GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:
Thor: Ragnarok
2017, Marvel Studios
As perhaps evidenced by the poster art, the third installment in the Thor standalone franchise is a loopy funhouse ride. The action is
unrelenting, the sets are retina-seeringly colorful, Cate Blanchett is deliciously over-the-top as Thor's evil sister, Karl Urban (a.k.a.
Bones in the Star Trek reboot) is awesome as the Executioner, and Jeff Goldblum has a blast playing
himself. Director Taika Waititi is like a kid in a candy shop, spinning endless self-aware riffs on the Lord God of Thunder,
although he does lose points for getting just a bit too silly around the edges; it's hard to build up dramatic tension when everyone is
cutting jokes, and at times the film comes off as an enormous gag reel. Also, I will note the director commentary is pointless and a
complete waste of time. Waititi only thinks he's funny.
DKS 12/17/17
GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:
Thor: Love and Thunder
2022, Marvel Studios
Sorry, Taika Waititi has dragged a perfectly fine franchise right down the tubes. It might have succeeded as a comedy in someone else's hands, but Waititi smears his so-called sense of humor all over the screen like finger paint, until you can't see anyone else. And if you listen to what passes as director commentary, you'll realize that he's humorous only to himself. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
I'm so disappointed, and truly hope Waititi hasn't killed the franchise altogether, because this is a really lousy note on which to exit. Just, please, someone take Thor away from Waititi!
DKS 10/1/22
GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:
