Movie Review Madness - Thor - Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok is a Marvel romp. This movie has star power and humor. So many of these super hero flicks get so serious with world mayhem and destruction. Oh, Thor: Ragnarok has plenty of battles, but it also has a stunning Chris Hemsworth – his locks are shorn, but his snark factor grew. He has great comedic timing and it’s put to plenty of good use. The dialogue is whip smart whether he’s talking to Loki (I love Tom Hiddleston), or teasing the Hulk (a rueful Mark Ruffalo), or bantering with his evil sister Hela (a fabulous Cate Blanchett).

I won’t go into plot line. Needless to say there are plenty of Marvel character appearances, plenty of power grabs, and  Hela stirring up fiendish trouble. When she dons her crazy black reindeer antler crown, you need to brace yourself for some serious action. She’s crazy good. And then there’s Jeff Goldblum. He takes wacky to a whole other level and is perfect for this role.

This movie is huge tub of popcorn worthy. Stay through the two bonus scenes during the credits, and enjoy the glory of Thor-Ragnarok on the big screen.

Movie Review Madness - Crimson Peak

Crimson Peak is not normally my kind of movie genre – gothic romance/horror. However, the cast list is stellar and it is directed by Guillermo del Toro, who is a genius. Indeed, the film is lush and the settings are fabulous. The creepy house is worthy of an Oscar as it looms over a sparse countryside. Inside is another story – things go bump in the night and very dark misty ghosts haunt the corridor. Let’s just say, “Don’t drink the tea that’s served in the house.”  (spoiler alert – how much poison will kill you?)

So, Mia Wasikowska (a stellar young actress) falls hard for dreamy Tom Hiddleston’s  Baron.  Her father frowns and has a private investigator check into some shady dealings. It’s the late 1800’s and basically the father calls Thomas out at a ball. Well, alas, the dad ends up dead at his private club, Mia is an heiress, and she’s able to marry and move to the estate. Hoorah for true love. Boo for Dad’s death. Hoorah for true love. Boo for the creepy sister (a very severe Jessica Chastain) who comes with the house. Oh Mia – so naïve, so young, so eager to be friends with the sister and asks for a set of keys to all rooms.  What?  You dare to think you can roam this house freely and uncover its secrets?

Where money is involved, trouble follows, and Mia slowly figures out she’s a pawn in an evil game. The creepy factor is high and Crimson Peak offers a good scary ride in time for Halloween. Is it a tad predictable? Yes. However, I knew what I was in for when I paid my cheap matinee price. I was scared just right and came home to put on all the lights in the house. Rattle a key or two and explore the basement. You never know what bones will turn up.

Boo!

Movie Review Madness: Thor:The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World allows us to revisit Chris Hemsworth in all his glory. Wow, he is a Marvel. As the second film, it lacks the originality and freshness of the first Thor flick but this is still a lot of fun. Thor has brought a peace to all realms and life is beautiful. But there's one thing missing - Jane. Yep, Natalie Portman's on earth and Thor keeps an eye on her from his faraway land. Fortunately there are some weird disturbances that cause her team to find a portal. Soon she's yanked into another realm. A real bad creature comes back to life. And the party/battle is on.

As an added bonus, Thor needs to release Loki from prison. His knowledge and hidden places are needed, plus Loki (Tom Hiddleston) adds tension to the whole dynamics. The best scenes are when the brothers are on screen exchanging barbs. All in all, the filmmaking is rich, the battles are glorious, and a bare-armed Thor shines as he wields his hammer.

This is fall eye candy at its best. So round up the family, buy that tub of popcorn, and zoom to another realm for adventure. Thor brings light to a Dark World.