Of the current Marvel superheroes, Thor is perhaps the oddest, coming as he does from an altogether different area of the universe.  It’s hard for me to reconcile his mystical realm with the “normal” world which Marvel presents to us in their current movies.  I have the same issue with DC’s Wonder Woman, but to a lesser extent.  Thor has always seemed like an outsider, although this new film attempts to force him to blend in with a few of his cronies; a sort of “Justice League” parallel that doesn’t always work.

Taika Waititi’s film emphasizes humor over almost every other element.  Ironic witticisms abound, even as Thor (Chris Hemsworth) flirts with Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), battles Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and tries to control his bad brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston).  The brothers are surprised to learn that they have a wicked sister, Hela (Cate Blanchett), who has plenty of snark to spare upon returning to Asgard.  Action is plentiful, but it is all tempered with the humor that audiences find comforting and enjoyable.

The result is that Thor: Ragnarok is cute.  It is by far the cutest of all the superhero movies since Iron Man jump-started the genre almost a decade ago.  Hulk is cute, especially when he body slams Thor the way he did Loki a while back.  Semi-villainous Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) is cute rather than menacing.  It’s cute how Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) pops in and moves everyone around like pieces on a chessboard in the blink of an eye.  It’s all cute, but 130 minutes of cute is pushing my tolerance.

Audiences have found this movie to be one of the most enjoyable, and that is no surprise, considering its tone.  I enjoyed it, too, but I would have liked to have seen something a bit more substantial.  It’s fine for what it is; just don’t be comparing this movie to others of genuine depth.  ☆ ☆ 1/2.  22 December 2017.