Trying to Remain Unbiased Thor: Ragnarok Edition

Possible SPOILERS ahead!!

I am fully aware that as an established Marvel Cinematic Universe fan, I already have a positive bias towards any of their movies. What is interesting about the MCU is that the general consensus from viewers is that the Thor franchise has the untenable position of being the red-headed-step-child of the MCU.

 

Though not this redhead, I did actually lose my virginity to one. (mine was a year older, not younger.. and also not British)

 

But, for all of its faults, it actually commits no egregious sins beyond what other far more popular MCU films have been allowed to make. Now, there are many reasons why Thor is treated more harshly than other MCU films, but I feel that it likely comes down to more established deuteragonists than other films that usually maintain a single protagonist.  To that end, Jane Foster and Thor Odinson experience more dynamic character arcs than any other romantic pair in the MCU.

Do I think this means that the Thor franchise did “worse” due to more feminist subtexts? Well, I don’t think the situation is that clear cut, but I do think that may have been a factor.

Going further, there has been controversy against the Thor franchise in the comic world due to Thor Odinson losing the ability to wield Mjolnir and Jane Foster actually becoming the new Thor, God of Thunder.

 

Loved the comic, and the new costume for both Thor and Odinson are amazing!

In all honesty, the change brought a breath of fresh air to the comic series as well as giving real problems to a character who is otherwise literally a God. If you haven’t read it, check it out. However, I can totally see how trying to bridge what is happening in the MCU and in the comics can be confusing. And I can see how old aficionados could be put-off by changing so much of the Thor comics for it to fit better into the logic of the MCU.

All that being said, I actually enjoy the Thor movies (yes even Dark World). This is the one and arguably only superhero franchise that has managed to give us a villain that audiences equally love and hate: Loki. DCEU certainly has not been able to manage any villain to equal popularity–even though they had ample opportunity with Enchantress, yet somehow managed to instead neuter her as a villain and make her bland. Yes, I’m still sore over Suicide Squad–more like Suicide Squandered Chance to Overtake the MCU.

So it was disconcerting to hear from a friend of mine who got an early viewing while in the UK that the movie–though very pretty–was very hasty and the beginning of the movie seemed to be haphazardly thrown together.

 

I’m looking at you purple, don’t let me down!

 

Bad preliminary aside, the information that I gleaned was all second hand and I have not actually seen the movie yet myself. I don’t make a huge effort to stay away from reviews anyway because I am skeptical at best and at worst, defiant. So, despite all the misgivings in regards to previous Thor movies, and poor plot construction, you better believe my butt will be in a seat opening weekend.

And not just to see the latest Stan Lee Cameo.

 

These just came out at Walmart and I kinda need them all…

 

What are your thoughts about the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok movie? Think it will fly or flop? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

 

DCEU vs MCU November 2017 Edition

I am totally looking forward to the two upcoming movies Justice League (DCEU) and Thor: Ragnarok (MCU).  From what we’ve seen historically, there is sure to be some parallels between the two movies that are both being advertised with the premise of “superheroes team up to take on an otherworldly villain”.

Honestly, I am looking forward to both but I would be lying if I were to not include that Wonder Woman is 90% of why I am even bothering to see Justice League when it comes out in theaters (instead of Amazon Prime).

Amazon I love you, sponsor me in the future

What I’m hoping for, however, is to be utterly surprised by how different these movies actually are (Please no “Armageddon” vs “Deep Impact” situation here) and to see some interesting storytelling. I’m hoping neither of them fall into formulaic plot lines that become boring and predictabl–because, at the end of the day I am still a fan of both of these huge cinematic universes and I want to see them succeed.

Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below, and whether or not you’ll be watching, both, neither or just one of these movies.

The Long Break

It has been 9 months since my last post.

There are sometimes in my life where there is simply too much going on and I get overwhelmed. This has been one of those times. I haven’t been allowing enough time for myself, and I’ve been neglecting the things that make me happy–like making nerdy blogs.

Well, here is my effort to get out of my funk and back into my habit.