Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) 

Watching The Movie:

 Are you Axl Rose? Because if you are; this is now your favorite movie of all-time, replacing Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991). Everyone else in the world will likely disagree with that assessment; as T2 is an unquestionable masterpiece by damn near any standard; but for ole Axl; he's getting paid off of most of the soundtrack instead of just one song used over and over again. Therefore, if you are a fan of GnR's early catalog, you will likely enjoy this movie quite a bit.

Outside of that; it's a "Marvel Movie." You've been going to these for over a decade now and kind of have some idea of what to expect. Thor: L&T is on par with any other Marvel Studios offering as a movie.

Screening The Film:

 Most of "L&T's" value as a film is as a reflection of power dynamics; especially in the highest possible dynamic, literal worship. Gods vs Worshippers. Synergy and the team dynamic. Gender Roles; the family dynamic. sovereignty; and what the governed can and should expect from their regimes (probably the biggest theme of the film, just used repeatedly throughout) Depression and coping with loss/dealing with trauma. The images are quite strained; but there also is a running theme of "Old love/lovers" vs "New love/lovers. Finally, leave it to a Disney property to focus on a literal homestead for gods (New Asgard) to be portrayed as a theme park and tourist attraction. Commentary doesn't get much more meta than that.

Best Dialogue:

"I'm not Lady Thor. My name is Mighty Thor! And if that's still too hard for you, you can call me Dr. Jane Foster! And one last thing: EAT MY HAMMER!"

The Bottom Line

In the fall of 2017; my first trip to the movies was a screening of "Thor: Ragnarok" (2017) and it completely redefined who Thor is as a character. "Love and Thunder" does so again in a completely different way. While Ragnarok was about the literal destruction of his homeland, his family, essentially his complete identity was turned upside down and inside out. The events of Infinity War and Endgame only furthered his transformation into what we see at the start of the film...someone in need of a purpose. I count myself among those who can relate; but can see how those who don't or are just burnt out on superhero stories might not care enough to really enjoy this any more or less than another Marvel film; however, I consider it in the upper echelon of the universe overall, especially post Endgame.

3.75 out of 5

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