Ranking the Franchise - Thor

I just rewatched all the “Thor” movies. And although it’s not one of the most consistent Marvel franchises, it is spectacular and memorable. This franchise is not finished yet, so I will probably ‘rerank’ this series when “Thor: Love and Thunder” is released. But for now, here is my ranking of the three “Thor” movies we already have.

3. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
There is enough to enjoy in this sequel, but in general it’s a bit bland. And the villain, Malekith, isn’t very interesting and we don’t really get to know much about him. Chris Hemsworth does feel more comfortable in his role and the final confrontation is pretty cool.

2. Thor (2011)
A film like this makes or breaks with its leading man. And with Chris Hemsworth they got the perfect guy. Not only is her one of the most beautiful people Hollywood has to offer, but he’s also charismatic and can easily carry a film this big. “Thor” is a great first film in a series.

1. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
When a sequel disappoints, it’s a very bold step to add another sequel and totally spin it around. That’s what director Taika Waititi did for “Thor: Ragnarok”. And I think all the Gods for bringing him in, because he dared to takes risks, add humor and self-mockery and make it a more colorful world. “Thor: Ragnarok” isn’t only the best movie centering its hero, but it’s also one of the best MCU movies to date. And are we lucky to have Waititi back for “Thor: Love and Thunder”.

Top 5 Thursday: Movies I Watched For My Challenge (November 2017)

I saw a lot of newer film and with that some really great ones too. Here are my favorites for my challenge for the month of November.

1. Lion
A heartfelt and touching story about a young boy getting lost from home. Years later it still haunts him and he starts a search for his biological family. Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman are rock solid in “Lion” and I think this is one of the best films of the year.

4. Mother!
I love Darren Aronofsky’s movie, even if he always makes me feel miserable. If I have to describe “Mother!”, I really can’t. You have to experience it yourself. What I do know, it’s that it’s pretty disturbing, fucked up actually. Not for everyone, but I really loved it.

3. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Skeptical at first, another Spider-Man movie. Did we really need that? It appears to be yes! Tom Holland is a breath of fresh air, the Peter Parker that we needed. I love his enthusiasm.

2. The Beguiled
Let’s hear it for the girls! Sofia Coppola directs and she got her signature all over this movie. She is back! And all the actresses are amazing. A very strong story, well performed by all the actors. Also Colin Farrell holds up great between all those fabulous women.

1. Thor: Ragnarok
The first two movies are not the best un the MCU, but still enjoyable. Director Taika Waititi turned it all around and gave us “Thor: Ragnarok”, one of the best movies in the MCU! More colorful, in every way of the word. What a great spectacle and so unexpectedly funny!

They Almost Made the Top 5: Little Evil, Toni Erdmann, Murder On the Orient Express, Lady MacBeth, The Founder

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 116: Thor: Ragnarok

Director: Taika Waititi
Genre: Action/ Science Fiction/ Adventure
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Hopkins, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tessa Thomspon, Karl Urban, Ray Stevenson, Clancy Brown

Description: Imprisoned, the almighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself in a lethal gladiatorial contest against the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), his former ally. Thor must fight for survival and race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela (Cate Blanchett) from destroying his home and the Asgardian civilization.

Review: Innovation and variation is becoming harder within the superhero genre. In the past 10 years, Marvel has brought us 17 movies. Because the characters keep meeting each other in each other’s movies, there is a chance the films lose their identity and become disposable. But Marvel has realized this and are heading into a different direction.
“Thor”Ragnarok” is a bit of a gamble. It’s a complete different route for the God of thunder, because it’s an unprecedented humoristic trip through the cosmos. And it’s a very welcome surprise, because continuing on the same way as “Thor: The Dark World” is simply not an option. Because that would mean that naïve Thor would fall for Loki’s shams all over again, when at the end of the first Avengers film, this relationship has been settled more the less.
All elements that are a threat to the levity of the film, have been removes and are just side issues. For instance, love interest Jane Foster isn’t in it and I’m not missing her.
“Thor: Ragnarok” left all seriousness aside, which makes it a good comedy with action in it. And that's all thanks to New Zealander Taika Waititi, who also directed “Hunt For the Winlderpeople”. And I love this director’s humor. He also voices one of the funnier characters in the movie.
Most memorable is the scene where Thor sees Hulk in the arena and adding the green hero to this film is a great addition. It’s fun to see a different side from him.
The biggest plus is that the world of Thor has become more colorful, in every way of the word. “Thor: Ragnarok” is the best in the trilogy and one of the best in the Marvel Cinemativ Universe. What an awesome movie!

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Trailer Sunday (288)

Here are this week's trailers.

Thor: Ragnarok
Director: Taika Waitit
Description: Thor must face the Hulk in a gladiator match and save his people from the ruthless Hela.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Karl Urban, Anthony Hopkins, Mark Ruffalo, Jeff Goldblum
Trailer: Trailer "Thor: Ragnarok"
Comment: And they wonder why I want to marry Chris Hemsworth...

The Hitman's Bodyguard
Director: Patrick Hughes
Description: The world's top bodyguard (Ryan Reynolds) gets a new client, a hit man (Samuel L. Jackson) who must testify at the International Court of Justice. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time.
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Gary Oldman,
Trailer: Trailer "The Hitman's Bodyguard"
Comment: This looks hilarious!!!

The Bad Batch
Director: Ana Lily Amipour
Description: A dystopian love story in a Texas wasteland and set in a community of cannibals.
Starring: Jason Momoa, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey, Diego Luna, Giovani Ribisi, Suki Waterhouse
Trailer: Trailer "The Bad Batch"
Comment: Creepy, disturbing, intriguing.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Director: Rian Johnson
Description: Having taken her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015), Rey (Daisy Ridley) continues her epic journey with Finn (John Boyega), Poe (Oscar Isaac) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in the next chapter of the saga.
Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Gwendoline Christie, Benicio Del Toro, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Warwick Davis, Lupita Nyong'o
Trailer: Trailer "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"
Comment: It has arrived....

Past Life
Director: Avi Nesher
Description: Past Life tracks the daring late 1970s odyssey of two sisters - an introverted classical musician and a rambunctious scandal sheet journalist - as they unravel a shocking wartime mystery that has cast a dark shadow on their entire lives.
Starring: Nelly Tagar, Joy Rieger, Doron Tavory, Evgenia Dodina
Trailer: Trailer "Past Life"
Comment: Looks gripping