Get ready for a Hulk-Sized Fun Time with Thor Ragnarok

Disney sent me to Los Angeles on an all-expenses paid press trip, in exchange for my coverage of the Thor Ragnarok movie release. All opinions are my own.

When is the last time you went to a movie theatre glued to the screen the entire time and left smiling?

My face was hurting from laughing so much at Thor Ragnarok.

Granted, I was still on a high from my first red carpet experience. None the less, I have no doubt my smile would have been there regardless.

The God of Thunder is back in Marvel’s new adventure, Thor Ragnarok. This film is filled with action, humor and a fast paced tempo sure to keep you entertained.

Let’s face it – I am a mom of small children so the thought of being in a dark theatre for over two hours sounded like an opportunity to take a nap.

Believe me, once the movie started, a nap was far from my mind – especially during a few Chris Hemsworth scenes. (Don’t worry, no spoilers here!)

A Spoiler Free Thor Ragnarok review

Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization —at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk!

Get ready for a fun time

Marvel movies are known for fun surprises and Easter Eggs. Thor Ragnarok is no different. Keep your eyes opened for fun surprising cameos from a few familiar faces.

Who knew Thor (Chris Hemsworth) was so funny? Unfortunately, fans didn’t get to see that side of Thor in previous movies. In Thor Ragnarok, Hemsworth is able to spread his wings to shine in this film. With witty one liners and fun banter, it’s clear that Thor is hilarious and the reason viewers stay engaged.

If you never considered Thor your favorite Avenger, you might change your mind.Watching the characters reunite with other Marvel characters is always fun to see. The chemistry between the cast simply clicks and you can tell they are having fun which radiates on screen. My favorite moments include Thor and Hulk. It’s an odd couple that makes sense the more the story unfolds.

Jeff Goldblum…need I say more?

I have yet to watch a movie starring Jeff Goldblum that wasn’t fantastic. Does he really have to act during Thor Ragnarok? I think not. What you see is what you get and Jeff Goldblum fans will be satisfied once more with his goofy Goldblum like performance.

Strong, female leads

Hela (Cate Blanchett) is the first female villain to appear thus far to pop up in the Marvel Universe. She demands your attention every scene she is in. Blanchett is fierce and everything you want a villain to be: mean, ruthless with a touch of badass attitude. If she was a person on Earth, I would imagine her to be a woman that does not take ‘no’ for an answer nor does she care what you think about her. Now she doesn’t sound so bad, but I digress…

Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) is another character that does not care what you or anyone else thinks. She’s had enough of caring and as a result has developed a hard shell. Her complex personality puzzles Thor and it’s interesting to watch their relationship unfold.

Is Thor Ragnarok kid-friendly?

Thor Ragnarok is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief suggestive material. This is an action movie through and through with violence that isn’t graphic or bloody. There are a few frightening and intense scenes that can be dark and scary to young children.

There’s very little mention of drugs and alcohol other than a few scenes of a main character drinking a lot.

Every family is different in what they will or will not let their kids watch. Moreover, every child is different in what affects them.

In my opinion, this movie would be okay for tweens and teens to watch. If they have seen The Avengers or Spiderman this is a similar offering.

Would I take my four-year-old to watch this? No

I am confident that my teenage stepson and husband would love this movie.

I can’t remember the last time the three of us hung out, so hiring a sitter doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.

Not to mention, I can’t think of a better way to earn cool stepmom points than a Thor Ragnarok movie night!

A familiar yet different feel

This film definitely has a different tone and feel than the Thor and Thor: Dark World. I’ve always been fascinated with the complicated and complex relationship between Thor and Loki. It’s a familiar storyline between the two, but things change scene-to-scene. I don’t want to spoil any details, but I was definitely rooting for these two to put their differences aside and be a team. Will they, won’t they? You will have to watch.

Thanks to Director Taika Waititi the tone, music and energy of this film is energetic and upbeat. (Fun fact: he also stars in the movie as Korg, a hilarious Kronan warrior who resides on Sakaar and befriends Thor).

During our exclusive interview with Taika, he mentioned he strives to make movies that leave people smiling and laughing.