Director: Taika Waititi
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Karl Urban and Tom Hiddlestone
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved the appreciation of Karl Urban. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Urban has created memorable movies. Whether it’s bold warriors, space scavengers or powerful police officers, Urban has played many characters. Arguably, Urban’s strength as an actor is his powerful screen presence. He is one of those actors that has always had a rare ability to steal the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Even when he’s not the central focus of movies, Urban has always left an impression. Through abilities to portray characters which are compelling, Urban has built a legacy that is lasting. Although he is most famous for his role in the Star Trek franchise, Urban has often proven he can excel in each genre. Throughout his lasting career, Urban has made countless unforgettable movies that are definitely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Urban and adore all the films he has created in his career. However, “Thor: Ragnarok” is definitely my favourite. Ever since its release in 2017, Taika Waititi’s movie has stood the test of time as a comic-book classic. Packed with breathtaking production design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the finest comic-book movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Karl Urban, who embodies a space scavenger engaging in warfare which causes disaster. Ultimately, what makes “Thor: Ragnarok” a comic-book classic is its strong appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, the movie tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. A captivating comic-book classic, there are many strong reasons why “Thor: Ragnarok” is a movie worth seeing.
Following the events of “Thor: the Dark World”, “Thor: Ragnarok” tells the story of a Demi god embarking on an adventure. Chris Hemsworth portrays Thor, a conflicted Demi-god going on a dangerous adventure. Thor has always had a love for embarking on adventures using his magical hammer. However, Thor’s peaceful life on Asgard is disrupted when he becomes the victim of a ruthless god causing disaster. Hela (Cate Blanchett) is an evil Queen that seeks to destroy a kingdom of Asgard causing trauma. Assisted by companion Skurge (Karl Urban), Thor embarks on an adventure to confront an evil Queen that’s conflicted. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Thor soon starts to wonder whether he can overcome a situation causing disaster. Faced with a dilemma, Thor starts to question whether he will ever be able to defeat Hela.
Taika Waititi is a newcomer to the comic book genre. Before he directed “Thor: Ragnarok”, Waititi had never made a comic-book movie before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to honour a legendary comic-book character but he succeeded immensely. Using spellbinding cinematography, Waititi captures a Demi-god embarking on a journey to save a planet that faces catastrophe. Evoking Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring”, Waititi effectively employs point-of-view shors to capture the hardships that Demi-gods are facing. For instance, POV shots enhance the alternate reality scene. During this intense scene, Thor is transported into an alternative universe causing adversity. Though compelling POV shots, Waititi creates a commemorated comic-book hero audiences can easily relate to. POV shots are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” suggested, POV shots are suited to commemorated horror movies about sharks. That being said, it works immensely in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, Waititi captures tensions that Demi-gods embarking on intense adventures are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Thor: Ragnarok” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well-made. Inspired by Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers”, Waitit effectively uses slow-motion to stage engaging action sequences showing tensions Demi-gods are facing. For instance, slow-motion elevates the Hulk colosseum fight scene. During this unforgettable scene, Thor is surprised to find that he has to fight the Hulk in the grandmaster’s tournament. Through slow-motion sequences, Waititi captures hardships comic-book heroes are facing. Slow-motion is a complex techniques to use in movies. As The Wachowski’s “The Matrix” demonstrated, slow motion elevates popular science fiction films. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Moreover, the musical score is fantastic. Mark Mothersbaugh’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing heavy burden that Demi-gods often bear. Through captivating production, Waititi honours a legendary comic-book hero carrying hammers with dedication.
Storytelling is one of the primary reasons why “Thor: Ragnarok” is a comic-book film which is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively employs dramatic monologues to capture tensions that Demi-gods are facing. Throughout the movie, Waititi effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture Thor’s quest to find his identity. For instance, the dramatic monologues elevate the brother conversation scene. During this unforgettable scene, Thor has a tender conversation with Loki about their family that’s emotional. Through compelling dramatic monologues, Waititi creates a Demi-god audiences can easily relate to. Dramatic monologues are tricky techniques to use in movies. As J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” claimed, dramatic monologues elevate commemorated adaptations of beloved science-fiction series. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a bold screenplay, Waitit honours a legendary comic book hero today.
One admires astonishing performances.
Karl Urban delivers one of his greatest career performances as Skurge. Urban first achieved appreciation for playing medieval warriors in fantasy films. With “Thor: Ragnarok”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a legendary comic-book character but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and grief of a Demi-god embarking on a journey to find his identity. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the greatest actors that’s currently working in the industry today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Karl Urban, the supporting cast is fantastic and worthy of appreciation. Chris Hemsworth is captivating, bringing charisma to a Demigod seeking to rescue a doomed planet that faces tragedy. Tom Hiddlestone is terrific, and brings comical relief to a well-known villain that feels alone. Finally, Tessa Thompson merits praise. As a Valkyrie, she brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Thor: Ragnarok” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing superheroes facing tension. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses relatable themes including identity, heroism and vengeance which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the MCU to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about sibling rivalry that will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Thor: Ragnarok” is one of those rare comic-book films everyone would adore.
Fans of Karl Urban will definitely appreciate “Thor: Ragnarok” and so will movie-goers seeking enjoyable entertainment. A fantastic comic-book classic, it honours an actor that has built a career that’s iconic.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking comic-book movies about demi-gods carrying a magical hammer with power, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy earning a huge fan following for his abilities to portray compelling characters in movies that audiences treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 