verysharpteeth:

I’ve seen griping about Thor Ragnarok and let me say this: so much of it WORKED. So much of it got down to the basis of what Thor should have been in the MCU. 

1. Thor is FINALLY damn charming and likable. Sure he’s been the “hero” in the rest of the MCU, but he was hard for me to like. In this movie he’s funny and charming and KIND and arrogant but with a sense of humor. He’s very much a crown prince with a major sense of duty, but he’s so often gently put in his place by circumstances when he gets out of line and acknowledges that and he’s FUNNY. He’s got a cheeky sense of humor, and can be just as sarcastic as Loki. He’s also just so sure about people too. Take into account the fact that he literally wills Bruce, Valkyrie AND Loki into helping him. He knows Bruce is at his core a hero who will help those in need. He knows Valkyrie really wants redemption. He knows Loki is capable of so much MORE than just being a little shit. He sees the hero at the core of those around him and like any good leader, enthusiastically points that out. 

2. And speaking of Thor and Loki, this movie finally settles their relationship. No angst, just an acknowledgement on each side that yes they love each other, but they will NEVER see eye to eye about anything and both are so much themselves at the core, one basically a little shit and the other very noble. But rather than wallow in that, the two have figured out how to relate to each other. Thor just recognizes that Loki will always be Loki. He’s God of Mischief. He almost can’t help himself in just doing stuff that causes issues. 

3. Loki’s character finally makes sense. He’s not a big bad here or even an angsty antihero. He’s simply weasely and manipulative, but at his core he’s a warrior and hero almost in spite of himself. Thor’s opinion of him matters in the end. And you can tell Loki LIKES a good fight no matter how much of a negotiator he is. In the end he throws himself right into the fray with as much style and competence as the heroes. He’s presented not as someone who murdered his adoptive father (and as someone who couldn’t when given the opportunity), just as the son who dropped him at the old folks home. Asgard isn’t a crumbling ruin when Thor shows back up. Loki has basically been living out his fantasy as a wanton but nonthreatening ruler who likes the arts and is trying to build his own myth (it’s telling that the “play” he’s so enthusiastic about is more about Odin and Thor valuing and thinking he was wonderful more than anything else). Even Odin doesn’t hold it against his son for leaving him in a retirement home. He doesn’t even acknowledge it, just immediately treats him just the same as Thor without missing a beat and Loki responds both with shame and respect. Odin even makes sure Loki knows how proud Freya would be of his accomplishments (as poorly used as they are). Thor and Loki are treated as equal here. Loki also gets his final say in pointing out Thor finally understands how he felt in being lied to (and beat up by the Hulk). Loki is finally able to give in to the fact that there IS a streak of heroism at his core. Sure we all know he can’t resist causing trouble (we’re all well aware he stole the Tessaract. AGAIN.) but you believe it truly isn’t malicious now. He’s just a jackass. And someone who desperately wants people to think he’s important.

Basically Thor Ragnarok treated the Norse gods in the MCU how it made more sense to treat them. Thor as a charming, funny, well intentioned hero. Loki as a shifty, troublesome, ultimately reluctant hero himself. And it WORKS.