Review of Thor: Ragnarok and Black Panther

A superhero movie is a film that depicts an individual or a group of people with superhuman abilities and often who are devoted to fighting for a better world. These movies are particularly created for entertainment, and usually, they stand out due to their ability to provoke one’s imagination. Black Panther and Thor: Ragnarok are ideal examples of superhero movies as the main characters seek to save humanity by the use of special powers that ordinary people do not have. Additionally, they also incorporate humor which is an integral component of a successful film.

Thor: Ragnarok was released in 2017, and it portrays the mythical Norse god, Thor. The cinema received positive reviews from critics due to its ability to address a divinity humorously. Further, a superhero movie follows specific progress; in the first part, the hero is supposed to perform the role that has been assigned to him or her. The second part is more about what happens when the hero feels that the purpose is either too big or small for him. In the third part, the narrative is mostly about how the hero fully assumes his responsibilities (Verhoeven). Thor: Ragnarok is seen to have followed this sequence as the main character undergoes all the mentioned steps; in this film, the hero, Thor is trying to grow out from his father’s shadow as he pursues his dreams of becoming a king. His father prepares him for the bigger responsibilities that come with being a leader. 

As mentioned, Thor: Ragnarok stood out due to its ability to incorporate the element of humor. Unlike many superhero movies, this movie delivered a story that was rather intriguing. The film manages to use satire and humor, and this makes it easier for viewers to relate to the characters (Dargis). Further, the movie brings out Thor as a favorite superhero as he is able to pursue his purpose while still maintaining a sense of humor; this makes Thor more familiar to the ordinary person. Therefore, the film achieves its objective of making the character identifiable with the viewers (Verhoeven). Amidst all the humor, Thor does not forget that he has a huge task ahead of him. As a leader and a superhero, he has the mandate of protecting his people from harm. He uses his superhero powers to fight his enemies, and just like any other protagonist he emerges triumphant. In most cases, movies use humor to keep the viewer interested and entertained. Usually, people can remember a seen more vividly if it incorporates humor. This feature is also notable in the second movie in review, the Black Panther.  

Black Panther is a movie that incorporates comic book elements, snarky humor, and emotional high charged stakes. Besides being entertaining, the movie has served as a platform to address social issues particularly those that concern the black people (The Daily Gazette). The most outstanding thing about Black Panther is its concept or storyline. Also, the fact that it includes black superheroes is something to take note. Nonetheless, the superheroes are tasked with more or less the same task, and that is keeping the world safe from the villain.   

The issues in Black Panther are primarily the issues that the current world faces. The conflict between the hero and the villain in the movie shows conflicting opinions that currently exist and face the black community. The movie ushers in a new era where the superhero movies can address issues of importance while entertaining at the same time. Moreover, the protagonist in the movie has the primary purpose of saving others from the villain. In Black Panther, the protagonist, T’Challa, alongside others who were dedicated to protecting Wakanda (the nation formed after a warrior ingests superhuman powers) is tasked with stopping the villain (Killmonger) from misusing his acquired superhero powers to harm the people of Wakanda. T’Chala is faced with numerous difficulties along the way, but with the help of his friends who also happen to possess special powers, he is able to kill Killmonger and establish a free Wakanda (Jacobs). Therefore, the main character has to seek good to be identified as a leader. Just like T’Chala, Thor also pursues to eliminate the villain for the greater good of the community.  

Black Panther is fitted as a superhero movie when viewed as radical and revolutionary. The movie seems to give all of its characters a lot of power to achieve their objectives. The villain’s anger is also something to take notice; Killmonger’s uses his anger to create a connection with the viewer; the movie shows Killmonger trying to survive on the streets without any support or the affection of family (Jacobs). All he seeks is power to liberate the black community, although he chooses to pursue his agenda by using extreme means. However, evil cannot triumph over good, and this is the reason that Killmonger, despite his intentions to save the black community, is eventually killed. Nonetheless, the film resonates with a lot of people, and this is also underscored by the character of the villain who is also identifiable with the target audience (as opposed to the typical character of villains); this makes the movie more exciting as a superhero movie.

Another special feature of Black Panther is the use of humor. Just like Thor: Ragnarok, humor is integral to communicating the primary intention of the film. An instance where the movie incorporates comedy is when the T’Challa wants to prove that he is not afraid even in dangerous situations. At some point, Okoye reminds him not to freeze, but he dismisses the comment; after all, he is Black Panther and therefore he cannot freeze. However, he is forced to freeze later when Nakia is held at gunpoint. Later, Shuri teases him about how he froze earlier,” Like an antelope in headlights,“No disrespect for the king.” Among other examples of humor, the movie Black Panther uses humor to capture the audience attention and keep them interested. 

In conclusion, Thor: Ragnarok and Black Panther are both superhero movies, and they incorporate features and elements that define them as so. Both movies have unique characters that make them stand out; regarding Thor: Ragnarok, its strengths lie in its ability to incorporate humor. The film achieves its ultimate objective because the protagonist of the movie ultimately achieves his purpose. Similarly, Black Panther uses humor to resonate well with the audience and at the same time pass the intended message. Moreover, both movies have the fundamental characteristic of every film, and this involves the protagonist becoming triumphant over the villain. Clearly, the films have changed the typical definition of superhero movies while being entertaining and educative. However, Black Panther wins in this case because of the uniqueness of its concept.  

Work Cited

Dargis, Manohla. ”Review: ‘Thor: Ragnarok,’ Of Gods, Monsters And Silly                                              Jokes.“Nytimes.Com, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/01/movies/thor- ragnarok-review-chris-hemsworth.html?referrer=google_kp. Accessed 17 Sept 2018.

The Daily Gazette .”Exhilarating ‘Black Panther’ Transcends Superhero Genre.“, 2018,             https://dailygazette.com/article/2018/02/16/exhilarating-black-panther-transcends-     superhero-genre. Accessed 17 Sept 2018.

Jacobs, Mathew. ”’Black Panther’ Is What Superhero Movies Are Meant To Be.“HuffPost UK,      2018, https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/black-panther-            review_us_5a819d48e4b0c6726e156447. Accessed 17 Sept 2018.

Verhoeven, Paul. ”‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Rewrites The Rules Of Superhero Movies“. Washington             Post, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2017/11/03/auto-draft-         7/?utm_term=.d9f15c0ca2c2. Accessed 16 Sept 2018.