Film Review: Thor: Ragnarok

Thor has been on two stand-alone adventures and two Avengers films, saving two different worlds twice. Although he was previously shown as an Asgardian with his heart set in Earth, Ragnarok--the apocalypse--comes to his homeworld. To save it, he looks for answers across the stars, fights incredible enemies, forms unlikely alliances, and ultimately emerges as the guardian to save his people.

Previous Thor films had their sparks of action, style, and character beats, but were always hampered by their bland style, stilted drama, and underdeveloped villains. Ragnarok...still has an underdeveloped villain. Which is sad, because Cate Blanchett's performance is a joy to watch as she gleefully throws spears at everyone and uncovers the lies of Odin. I found Hela's appearance and actions imposing in its own right, and her connection to the story has implicit motivations I can jive with. A better villain than Malekith, Ronan, Kaecilius, a hair worse than Ego, Ultron, and Loki (Tom Hiddleston returns in Ragnarok, mischievous and slippery as ever, delivering the right balance of deadpan humor and tragedy). The story also feels like it's shaped from the came cookie-cutter that spat out Iron Man 3: these are both stories in which the hero loses his home and primary powers, is banished to some place with no allies, and is forced to return and reclaim everything with fantastic heroics.

Even if this is just another Marvel cookie, it is one glazed in pure color with sparkles. The plot stalls a little when Thor hangs around Sakaar, but it's very quick to introduce new characters and problems that inevitably have to be solved to bring Thor back to Asgard. The thing that keeps this from becoming droll is the sheer amount of levity. There's about as many laughs here (maybe more) than an Avengers film. But Thor maintains its identity by maintaining its focus on Thor's heritage (not even extended cameos by Dr. Strange and Bruce Banner can distract from Thor, Odin, Loki, and Hela), and through the eye-popping action sequences. The combination of Norse myth and space fantasy is more sublime than ever--visually-sumptuous sequences, such as a line of Valkyries on winged horses bearing down on Hela, or the high-powered fight between Thor and Surfur, brings the fantasy to vivid life.

Juggling princely charm and lunk-headed goofiness, Chris Hemsworth is a joy to watch in this film. Lesser characters aren't too shabby either though--Jeff Goldblum really chews the scenery, as if Mr. Malcolm from Jurassic Park suddenly became power-mad. I enjoyed Tessa Thompson's performance--her character comes off as a little too stubborn, but she has a certain ruffian charm. Karl Urban is a nice surprise--his character pulled out a few surprising punches in the beginning and end. Idris Elba returns as Heimdall, and his character plays into the story much more significantly than before (and it's a nice touch). All these characters are united by an okay script that stands out more for the humor. The film is nicely-ordained with awesome-looking sets, props, costumes, and special effects. Mark Mothersbaugh's film score tries to capture a certain 80s fantasy vibe, and it marries well with what's on-screen.

I could see how somebody could walk away from Ragnarok feeling like it's more of the same. The plot goes through some of the same beats we've seen in other superhero flicks (especially third-parters). The villain is still a tad undercooked. This is also a movie that favors humor over dramatic intensity. But at the very least, it's far from bland. Every time Thor pummeled his enemies (set to the beat of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song"), I was awestruck as the camera followed his hammer slamming into so many fire minions, or as he came slamming down in an explosion of lightning. In between the gorgeous action and fantasy scenes, the humor brings light to flavor to a franchise that could have easily become droll. In the end, it's just the right flavor of cookie I crave.

4/5

Goodbye Utah

Four and a half years ago, I returned to the U.S. after spending eleven years overseas. At the time, I was excited. It was a chance to see new, unique sights. A chance to submerge myself in the land of plenty and all the commercial luxuries that were previously shut off to me. A chance to stand on my own and walk among other free people without feeling like an outsider.

There are things to feel blessed about while living in Utah. It is a beautiful state with varied and unique geographical features. It's a photographer's paradise. As it is a paradise for hikers, bikers, campers, and more. The Salt Lake valley, nestled among the towering Wasatch range, is peppered with parks and paths worth exploring. Up the canyons, there are magnificent valleys and forests full of color and life. National parks like Arches, Zion, and Bryce offer landscapes unlike any other. I've seen bison roaming on Antelope Island. I've walked through an ice castle in Midway. I've touched dinosaur bones in Vernal. Even with brief stops near the Great Salt Lake and in various small towns, I've beheld lovely sights. And going to major sites outside the state (like the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde) haven't been far away. There are places I planned to see or revisit, but haven't found the time to. Regardless, I've seen enough to feel satisfied with my travels.

When I wasn't traveling, I engrossed myself in the same activities I always enjoy: writing, watching films, listening to music, and playing video games. Living in the States, I found plenty of solidarity in exploring the shopping areas and visiting the cinemas regularly. I've visited Comic Con twice, finding not only a plethora of unique merchandise, but also marveling at the sea of costumes and sitting in on insightful panels. I saw one concert live (Thievery Corporation in Park City). Above all, I've dipped into the local writing communities and attended a few conferences. Doing so has exposed me to wonderful and knowledgeable people, and I've learned more from them than in all the previous years I've noodled around with the craft. Since arriving, everybody I've met has been hospitable and friendly.

With so many good experiences, why would I want to leave? Part of my decision to move is simply that a new opportunity came up, and I decided to take it. But I made that decision because, for some reason or another, I became over-stressed. It got to the point where I developed an overly-negative viewpoint of people and my surroundings. I started to expect the worst out of everything and everybody. My self esteem chipped away until I teetered on the fringes of melancholia. This started to bleed into other areas of my life--writing and matters of personal discipline. I lost the motivation and drive to push myself.

Only now when I look back do I realize I may have taken some things personally and let negativity fester. The greatest and hardest thing I've learned is how to let go: of shame and guilt over past mistakes and behavior, of physical things that hold no meaning to me anymore, and of wondering whether people are judging me or not. Only later did I find that I could break free of the chains binding me to bad emotions--I am starting to do so by refusing to focus and dwell of failures, and by learning gratitude.

In the spirit of gratitude, if any Utahan who knew me is reading this, then you have my thanks for helping me feel at home for a while. Some of you have invited me with your families, and it was a lovely experience. I've learned so much from the co-workers and writers I've met. Everybody has made me feel welcome--one of my biggest regrets is that I didn't do more to pay people back for their hospitality.

My next phase of my life begins in Georgia now: it will be a chance to work in a position where my work can be of value, but with far less pressure. This is my first time seeing the deep south--everybody tells me it will be unbearably hot in the summers, but I am looking forward to winters with little-to-no snow. I feel I need the humidity--the arid mountain air of Utah and Colorado seems to rip my skin and my lungs up. I am not sure how many sight-seeing opportunities there will be, but the land is the greenest and lushest I've seen since living in England. I'm hoping traffic will be less intense, and the amenities I want to see will be easy to get to.

Although I have much to look forward to, there are things I will miss from Utah. Places and sights that are dramatic, unique, and stirring. Communities that are safe and friendly. Above all, people who have shown me kindness. Thank you for everything, Utah.