Heaps of fun and absolutely ridiculous (in the best way), Thor: Love and Thunder is somehow able to balance the bright colours and rock ‘n roll energy with its dark undertone (literally so) because it remembers the nature of its source material and leans into it.
While finding himself and his purpose again, Thor encounters “The God Butcher” and must put a stop to his murderous ways but also reunites with his ex, Jane Foster, who is now somehow wielding the power of Mjolnir.
Ragnarok and director Taika Waititi get a lot of credit for turning Marvel’s God of Thunder into one of the more comedic vehicles in the MCU. But few seem to remember that the original film, directed by Kenneth Branagh, had an undercurrent of humour that made the absurd premise easier to digest. What Waititi and co have done is merely the logical evolution.
While Love and Thunder seems a tad more scattershot than previous (or you could call it “lean” as it feels as though there’s stuff cut out for the run time), this film remembers two very important elements: kids watch these films and religion and mythology can be utterly insane.
MINOR SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT…
Comic books were originally intended for kids and while those fans grew up, many comics not only catered to the older readers but never really forgot the younger audience either. That’s also the secret to the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, its appeal to a broad audience. Without spoiling it, this movie is perhaps the most overt reminder that kids come to these things and it does it in such a marvellous manner.
Most ancient mythologies sound absolutely crazy to a lot of folks when hearing the tales for the first time so if you’re going to appropriate anything and try to make it work in a series that has science and super powers then why not cherry pick the more outlandish elements and lean into it (which is what I meant by “source material”). These are the two aspects that really stood out for me, which I felt necessary in highlighting because some folks get rather critical about these elements being “too much” but there’s a lot more going on than the humour.
There must be a competition between James Gunn and Waititi in regards to their taste in soundtrack but beyond the music, Love and Thunder feels like the most Rock ‘n Roll film in the MCU. There’s a vibrancy and attitude that make up the bright energy, which helps to contrast with the darker parts of the story (think 80s Jim Henson films kind of dark). It’s a gorgeous looking movie although I don’t think I have to say anything about the VFX. There is a scene that feels like Waititi’s response to criticisms about how colourful Ragnarok was but at the same time it also works.
For all the colours and jokes there are themes of self discovery, purpose, and mortality. But the biggest question being asked by this movie about gods is indeed a theistic one. Your mileage may vary on whether or not the film answers that question satisfactorily by the end but there is an answer I can assure you.
The original Thor took an important moment to basically tell the audience that “magic” was just a form of advanced science. We’re well beyond that these days so this movie doesn’t spend too much time explaining every little thing, like we don’t need an explanation on Thor’s new armour for example. As I said earlier, it feels a little lean and focusses on the important plot points and character beats. We’re updated with the current status quo thanks to Korg’s storytelling framing device but also through montage (New Asgard is a tourist destination, Thor loses the Endgame weight, Valkyrie is bored with her duties as king, etc). The pacing might feel too fast for some but that’s in keeping with the energy of the film.
The cast are all great even though some get a tad short-changed. Chris Hemsworth is relishing the sometimes laid back but often-times neurotic version of Thor and Tessa Thompson seems to be having a blast as King Valkyrie. It is wonderful seeing Natalie Portman back as Dr Jane Foster but this time also swinging the hammer as Mighty Thor and Portman appears to be having fun too. Christian Bale knows exactly what film he’s in giving Gorr the right amount of sinister and intensity without looking out of place. People seem to think that Marvel Studios has a problem with villains and Gorr may not change their minds but I liked what he did here. However, Russell Crowe’s turn as Zeus is rather amusing and I couldn’t help but make comparisons to “Con the Fruiterer” character from back in the day (Aussies of a certain age with get that).
There are plenty of surprises and cameos from old favourites (a certain room mate is canon by the way), don’t expect too much from the Guardians of the Galaxy because it’s not their movie. I would say that Sif, in a comic accurate costume, gets a tad shafted after missing out the previous film (something about Jamie Alexander’s schedule for her TV show at the time). It was great to see her but I felt she could’ve done more.
Along with cameos there are plenty of easter eggs for the more keen-eyed viewers to spot. Don’t know about their ramifications going forward as I would need a second viewing but they are there.
Without going into specifics there are a couple of moments I wish were explained more and I suspect may have ended up on the cutting room floor. I also suspect that a lot of fans of the comics may not like the streamlining of certain elements being adapted. Just trust me when I say not everything is as it seems. Also, there’s a lot crammed in but the adventure itself is rather straightforward. I feel as though we’ve become so accustomed to plot twists or mysteries that we may undermine our own expectations?
I also think we’re still on track not knowing where the MCU is going from here. The previous phases were all leading to something massive but for the moment these films are content with just being fun adventures instead of moving around chess pieces (at least not overtly).
Speaking of which, there are TWO credits scenes in their usual spots. I would advise sitting through both as they may potentially be the only “chess moves” this films gives us.
I had such a great time with Thor: Love and Thunder that I think my ever so slight dissatisfaction with it comes from there not being enough movie. I really wanted to see more of these characters do their thing because they worked so well together. I laughed out loud many times at its ridiculousness, which it wholeheartedly embraces (would’ve been laughing more had it not felt awkward with such a timid and small morning audience)
I’ll put it this way: I’m so glad I have my Jane Foster/Mighty Thor figure at last.
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