Chris Hemsworth’s Thor becomes the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ( MCU ) first superhero to get his fourth solo outing as he re-teams with previous adventure Ragnarok director Taika Waititi.
If you thought Ragnarok was a bit out there and wonderfully zany and manic, then you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Love and Thunder sees the return of Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster , this time as the Mighty Thor , the arrival of Christian Bale’s relentless baddie Gorr the God Butcher and a run-in with Zeus (Russell Crowe) - and that’s not even taking into account the presence of the Guardians of the Galaxy .
Yep, it’s fair to say there is a lot going on, but Waititi just about manages to juggle everything successfully, predominately with his trademark quirky humour and infectious energy.
Because of Hemsworth and Portman’s reunification, though, the film has more heart than Ragnorak - and earns the Love part of its title.
Portman gets the progression her character was crying out for as she laps up the chance to bring the hammer down on her foes, while an underlying issue will break your heart.
Hemsworth is again superb and any time you begin to worry he’s becoming too comedic and lackadaisical, he gets brought back down to Earth with a bang.
Bale’s villain has you on edge during every appearance - with his scenes normally bathed in black and white - but we could’ve done with more of him.
As fun as the Guardians , especially Chris Pratt ( Star Lord ) and Dave Bautista ( Drax ), are, their involvement feels superfluous and putting them aside and fleshing out Gorr further would have been a wiser move.
However, King Valkyrie ( Tessa Thompson) and Waititi's Korg are gifted welcome advancement from Ragnorak and a colourful kaleidoscope of environments and rock-heavy soundtrack has your eyes darting and fists pumping.
Love and Thunder isn’t quite as memorable as its immediate predecessor, but it's incessant, infectious insanity that cooks up a storm.
● Are you a fan of Thor’s solo movies? How do you rate Love and Thunder compared to his previous outings?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.
● Thor: Love and Thunder is showing in cinemas now.
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