Marvel films have been getting darker, dare we say even scarier when it comes to the latest releases. As the MCU expands, it does seem like directors are trying to leave their mark on the franchise or their different chapters within the MCU. Yes, we’ve seen a lot of firsts over the latest releases in this fourth phase of the MCU – but it seems like the constant releasing of content may be causing viewer fatigue or we’re still not quite sure the movies are leading up to.
But with the release of Thor: Love and Thunder this weekend, fans are going to see something a bit more familiar – a movie that feels a lot like older Marvel movies. Thor: Love and Thunder is the fourth Thor movie in the MCU (not including Avengers or the Endgame movies). But it is also the second Thor film that is being directed by Taika Waititi, who brings with him the fun adventures and the directorial skills needed to bring Thor’s character to mass popularity that he has now. Sure, Chris Hemsworth brings in fans, but it wasn’t until these lighter almost pop movies came together did the Norse God of Thunder become a fan favorite.
Thor: Love and Thunder reunites most of the Thor cast as well as brings back Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, his ex that he’s still pining over. It has love scenes, montages of the past, and even how Thor got back in shape from his Fat Thor days in Endgame. It has nods to the previous movies but injects an amazing soundtrack and moments that will have you laughing along the way.
It’s isn’t all love and light, the movie is following Thor on his quest to stop the God Butcher (played by Christian Bale) who is not only trying to kill Thor but any other god he can find and try to end everything when he gets his wish at Eternity. The movie definitely has some darker points, like when the God Butcher is scaring the children he abducted from Asgard, or even when his shadow creatures are released on the city and fight.
One battle with the God Butcher is done in black and white, with the only color being shown when the heroes grab their weapons. But the actual battle scene is done in almost a stop motion film style or at a different film rate. It is almost like a pocket movie in the middle of a much larger epic battle scene.
While Thor is the main character in the film, this movie does have a lot of girl power behind it as well. Not only does Tessa Thompson come back as King Valkyrie but Portman is back as Jane Foster as well as the Mighty Thor. Portman’s performances in previous Thor films just show her as the genius scientist, but now when she answers Mjölnir’s call – she has the powers of Thor and the ability to help fight when she is needed. While her reintroduction into Thor’s story seems to consume the better portion of the beginning of the film, her actual fighting in the film and portrayal of Mighty Thor fit well – and her choices lead the movie along the way.
Is Thor: Love and Thunder the best Marvel film yet? It does have its flaws, but it is probably the best Thor film yet. It also will have fans of the character enjoying the nods to the other movies and fan-favorite moments. It also will give fans one of the best battle scenes for fans of all ages. It’s not a deep movie or one that you will be required to be up to date on every Marvel series and movie to watch. But it is a lot of fun and one that will open up the next chapter in Thor’s story for fans to enjoy.
Thor: Love and Thunder will hit theaters on Friday.
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About Thor: Love and Thunder:
Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder” finds the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced – a search for self-discovery. But Thor’s retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late. Directed by Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “Jojo Rabbit”) and produced by Kevin Feige and Brad Winderbaum, “Thor: Love and Thunder” opens in U.S. theaters July 8, 2022.
