‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ First Reactions Praise Marvel Film as a ‘Vivid and Vibrant Blast’

Thor: Love and Thunder is a Superhero film on the Marvel Comics character Thor directed by Taika Waititi

First reactions have poured in for Taika Waititi’s highly-anticipated “Thor: Love and Thunder,” which had its world premiere June 23 in Hollywood.

Expectations for the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe entry are sky high considering Waititi’s last comic book outing, “Thor: Ragnarok,” is widely considered one of the best Marvel movies.

Film critic Simon Thompson wrote, “#ThorLoveAndThunder is a vivid and vibrant blast that delivers. Hemsworth’s Thor remains a jewel in Marvel’s crown.

Bale’s Gorr is a killer boogeyman blending the campy and the creepy. Portman’s Foster and Thompson’s Valkyrie are a top notch pairing. Crowe’s Zeus is chef’s kiss.”

Christian Bale’s performance as Gorr, writing that he is “phenomenally menacing” and “one of the creepiest Marvel villains we’ve ever seen on screen.”

Critic Courtney Howard touted Taika Waititi’s directing, saying that he delivers “a subversive, irreverent spectacle” with “great story, stakes and character-building.”

Bro Bible senior writer Eric Italiano, who generally enjoyed “Love and Thunder” but said the plot “felt flat and stakeless.”

“Thor” sequel finds Chris Hemsworth’s superhero teaming up with Korg (voiced by Waititi), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) to stop Gorr the God Butcher (Bale) from eliminating all gods.

Portman sat out “Ragnarok” and appears in the new film as Mighty Thor, which also finds her wielding the mystical hammer Mjolnir.

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