Thor: Love And Thunder
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, Jaimie Alexander, Taika Waititi, Russell Crowe, Chris Pratt
Director: Taika Waititi
Rating: 3.5/5

Taika Waititi’s follow-up to Ragnarok is a super delightful hedonistic joyride – irreverent, playful, and simply delightful. When you see the Kids belonging to a tourist destination (New Asgard) looking out of their window in wide-eyed delight on seeing their favorite Superheroes demolishing the evil demons led by Gorr the God Butcher, you become one with them. And that’s exactly how you feel watching this Marvel superhero flick that goes back to basics spewing magic, spectacle, and bouncy action serenaded by hit rock and pop that’s more than likely to keep the young and old in its thrall.

Things have changed for the Gods of Asgard. Thor’s home, New Asgard is now a Disneyland sort of  amusement park and cruise destination offering Viking boat rides, real Asgardian mead, and re-enactments of mythological lore — featuring famous faces in charming cameos. Several of Thor’s family are dead (or just waiting to be resurrected and killed again)– so Thor’s the one left holding the baton (Axe or Stormbreaker in Thorspeak).