Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

The critic calls it the most outrageously fun Marvel film yet, praising Taika Waititi's irreverent direction that turns the film into a full-bore comedy with blockbuster spectacle as backdrop. The one thing singled out for praise is the effervescent jollity and broad, eccentric humour that permeates even weighty themes like genocide and the end of days.

The critic describes a grinningly goofy comic-book movie that reverberates with boyish delight and pop-culture giddiness. It praises Waititi’s light touch for balancing spectacle, deadpan humour and a modicum of emotional depth while countering franchise fatigue.

The critic praises the film as a colourful, knowing and fun rescue sequel that riffs on classic comics and lets its cast shine with humour and energy. It stands out for its visual pop, buddy-movie elements between Thor and Hulk, and avoidance of recent MCU gloom.

The critic finds that Thor has found his groove thanks to Waititi's comedy chops, making it the best Thor film and a hit MCU movie that embraces the ridiculous. The one thing singled out for praise is the self-awareness and constant jokes that puncture pomposity, along with strong performances from the women including Cate Blanchett's Hela and Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie.

The review highlights how a genuine comedy director brings much-needed heart, soul and humour to the Marvel universe. It notes the film is the same but different, ready to shift Marvel movie power rankings.

The review deems it the funniest Marvel movie yet, a hugely entertaining romp with laugh-out-loud humour, brilliant brawls and deadpan finesse from Waititi and the cast. It singles out the buddy-movie chemistry and in-jokes while noting the light-hearted tone leads to an all-action climax.

The critic calls it the funniest Marvel movie to date, irreverent and colourful with jokes galore and a heady ’80s vibe thanks to Waititi’s offbeat sensibility. Minor complaints about the third-act CG and length do not detract from the joy of its screwball energy.

The critic calls the movie punchy and fun in fits and starts but ultimately predictable, crediting Taika Waititi for giving it a human pulse and irreverence. He singles out Chris Hemsworth’s charming, good-natured star performance as one of the film’s most effective elements.

The review calls the film the flamboyantly roller-disco entry in the franchise, noting how Waititi embraces its disposability and revels in its playful, juvenile spirit while coming close to upending the MCU's monotonous order.

The critic finds the film an entertaining but inconsequential romp infused with self-deprecating Kiwi humour from director Taika Waititi, who unlocks comedy in Chris Hemsworth. It is praised for its unpretentious fun and 1980s-retro stylings despite visual flimsiness and familiar Marvel tropes.

The critic praises the film's breezy comic stance under Taika Waititi, which makes this the breeziest Thor entry yet, with self-mocking humor and engaging laughs that hold attention even for those unfamiliar with the lore.

The critic sees the film as bearing the mark of Taika Waititi’s comedic sensibility, which brings bouncy humor and gleeful tweaks to the usual superhero set pieces. He praises the candy-colored visuals and surprises while noting the persistent constraints of the Marvel franchise formula.

The critic finds that the film mostly succeeds in refreshing the Thor series by making its hero consistently sillier and less self-serious. She singles out the director's playful approach to action and jokes for turning what had been a forgettable franchise into something more engaging.

The critic finds the film a flat-out comedy that brings welcome offbeat humor to the Thor series, making it a lot of fun overall. He singles out Chris Hemsworth's comic timing and rapport with the cast for particular praise.

The critic lauds the confident, enthusiastic direction that rewards fans with a bonkers yet coherent world full of memorable characters and jokes.

The critic calls it the funniest Thor movie yet, praising Waititi's fresh, quirky approach that makes the familiar Marvel product feel vibrant and fun.

The critic highlights the film's nonstop humor and visual flair under Taika Waititi but notes pacing issues and a weak villain.

The critic finds Thor: Ragnarok to be Marvel's silliest and funniest movie yet, a marked improvement thanks to its brash humor and talented cast riffing, particularly on Sakaar with Jeff Goldblum. The main complaint is that the film stutters when it tries to play things seriously in the climax, falling flat after leaning so heavily into comedy.

The critic calls it the God of Thunder's most light-hearted adventure to date and another winner for the MCU, crediting Taika Waititi's direction for its tonal coherence and entertainment value. They single out the loose, funny performances (especially Hemsworth), strong female characters like Hela and Valkyrie, and the film's comic-book visuals and score while noting it feels a bit too light on stakes.

The critic praises the film's balance of stakes and silliness as well as its goofy, self-aware pleasures that work for both committed fans and casual viewers. He singles out Cate Blanchett's gloriously over-the-top campy performance as Hela for particular praise.