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NEW ASGARD — I've always had a strange relationship with the "Thor" movies. I was not a fan of the first two. I thought Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman were well cast, but the movies characterized them too seriously. It was hard for me to get on board with this absurd concept and serious tone.
Then "Thor: Ragnarok" came around. I'm not proud of this, but I went into that movie planning on not liking it. I really liked filmmaker Taika Waititi's movies and humor, but I wasn't confident Disney and Marvel would let him be him. Then I saw the movie and I ate a delightful and hefty portion of humble pie.
"Ragnarok" was not only my favorite Thor movie, but it may be one of my favorite Marvel movies. I've been excited for "Thor: Love and Thunder," but I didn't want to get my hopes up too high. I didn't want to expect the world from this movie just to be let down.
I have to say, I didn't have much to be worried about. "Thor: Love and Thunder" is a wild ride and an absolute blast and I have a few reasons why.
It's hilarious
There are a lot of things I love about Waititi's approach to Thor, but my favorite is that they are now comedies. While "Ragnarok" was packed with jokes, I think "Love and Thunder" embraces the comedy aspect even more.
The trailers let us know there would be plenty of laughs, but it also felt like it may try to be a bit more serious. Well, thankfully, that was the trailer, not the movie. "Love and Thunder" is listed as an action, adventure and comedy. What it actually is, is a comedy with some action and adventure.
I laughed out loud so many times and just when you start feeling like things are getting serious, you get a perfectly timed gag and the tension is released.
Don't worry, there is plenty of action in the movie as well. The jokes don't overshadow the fact this is Thor and his friends fighting for the fate of the universe. Waititi obviously understands comedy, but he also knows how to shoot big action scenes and create plenty of excitement.
It has a strong story
Often times when a movie is trying to be funny or full of action, the filmmakers tend to sacrifice story and emotion for spectacle. This is not the case with "Love and Thunder."
Waititi understands in order to make the jokes land and the action hit, you have to care about what is happening. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll be vague here, but there is a rich story filled with love, wanting, loneliness, heartache and sorrow. These heavier elements create a story we're invested in as an audience, but it's balanced expertly with humor, adventure and plenty of spectacle.
I cared about Thor, Jane and even Christian Bale's Gorr. Waititi and his team created relatable characters, strong storylines and plenty of drama.
Strong performances
We've had a few opportunities to see this, but Hemsworth is a brilliant comedic actor. His timing and delivery are pitch-perfect and make for an egocentric Thor with a heart of gold, and you can't help but love him. Hemsworth was the perfect choice for this role and it's ever more evidenced in "Love and Thunder."
We all know Natalie Portman is a fine actress, but her chemistry with Hemsworth is palpable and she brings a certain sense of humanity to the film that is essential to its success.
Finally, we have our villain played by Christian Bale. Bale is a phenomenal actor and he is fantastic in "Love and Thunder." He is menacing, manipulative, brutal and uncomfortably relatable. Gorr is known as the God Butcher and he's a terrifying villain, but you can't help empathizing with him and his motivations. This has a lot to do with the story, but a great deal to do with Bale's portrayal.
It's a fun trip to the movies
When it comes to "Thor," I just want to have fun and that's exactly what you get. The movie doesn't overstay its welcome at a tight two hours and the pacing is spot on from the moment the film opens.
It's rare to get a movie that makes you laugh to the point of tears, make you grip your seat from the action and put a lump in your throat thanks to the drama of the story. But "Thor: Love and Thunder" manages to do all of this.
It's not a perfect movie nor is it the best movie of the summer. For my money that title still goes to "Top Gun: Maverick." But I will say it's the funniest movie I've seen this summer and one that I will see again, likely very soon.
"Thor: Love and Thunder" is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, some suggestive material and partial nudity.
Check back tomorrow for Dave Clyde's parent review of the movie.
