Thor: Ragnorok

Thor: 3...2...1

Thor being my favourite avenger, I have waited a long 5 years to see him again in his own film, especially with his brief appearance in the last avengers film. I was ready to see them surfer-esc waves and witty humour that comes along with every Thor encounter so it was bittersweet watching a movie where they butcher his hair off and the comedy seems very try-hard.

Although this film did delight with a handful of new and hopefully permanent characters; Korg, a loveable stone man whose exterior is a literal metaphor for how his interior is and Vaylkerie, a character who we aren't too fond of at the start but are rooting for her and Thor to happen at the end, definitely a future possible love interest with the brief mention of Thors break up to Jane at the start of the film.

The creators of this film knew exactly what would make the audience laugh as many of times the whole audience did in fact and so loud you couldn't hear the next line. I did find this film funny I just think that some of the one-liners were predictable and forced BUT upon reading up on this film I learned that 80% of this film was ad-libbed so my argument stands quite invalid.  

The first main female villain in a Marvel movie did not disappoint, she didn't go down easily like other villains which made for a good ongoing fight throughout the whole film and worrying for Thors life at one point, Cate Blanchett wowed with her performance and carried it off great with no sign of the male gaze theory also which is a huge success in my eyes. 

The return of Loki and Hulk was a nice element, having missed them both from the last few Marvel movies we find out why, both their own style of humour and personalities only added to the movie. Loki didn't betray Thor quite as much as were used to making the fan favourite  and go on and hoping the brotherly banter continues. 

Even though the humour was slightly predictable I did find this movie very enjoyable, with great characters, music and special effects. Although not my favourite of the Thor trilogy still a quality film. Would highly recommend.

Tilly-Mae Holland x 

Goodbye Christopher Robin

Warm, Funny and Outright Adorable. 

Walking into this film I knew it would be a tear jerker- the trailer itself had made me cry much to my surprise (not much makes me cry) perhaps it was the flash backs of childhood memories of watching Winnie the Pooh or just the beautiful way the trailer was shot, with elements of the glamorous 1920's, flashbacks of war and sweet child-father bonding moments. So I had accepted the fate that I would walk out of the cinema with mascara running down my face and although that did happen I was still pleasantly surprised with the feelings I felt after this film.

Something that touched me in this film was the underlying PTSD of the main character A.A. Mills, it is also present in his editor and friend Ernest but as this was not even discovered back then it was a slightly embarrassing issue, even with his wife saying 'we don't blub in this house' and his friend who also has the condition tells him to get over it in a way at one point. I think they showed this in a very clever subtle yet in your face way which I hope will bring more light to the issue and make it less of a taboo.

Throughout this film I had a sense of nostalgia every time something about Winnie the Pooh was mentioned, a tingle of joy came to me every time I recognised a character I had previously forgotten about or I remembered something they mentioned e.g. the jingle of Winnie the Pooh. These elements had me smiling throughout the whole film giving me a warm feeling inside.

Much to my surprise, this film was extremely funny. A number of times the whole cinema audience laughed in unison at Billy Moon's funny one lines or the awkward yet adorable exchanges between father and son. The mention of my home town also made the audience gasp and giggle, the second half of the film being set in Sussex and a funny nod to Uckfield.

Although laughing in unison isn't the only emotion the whole audience experienced, during some of the sadder scenes you could hear sniffling from all corners of the screen, showing just how much the film effected everyone; there was a variety of age ranges and genders in the screening room and I don't believe there was a dry eye in the room at one point- I saw the teenage boy in the row in front of me wipe his eyes. 

The visuals in this film were not only beautiful but also inspiring, the first half featuring glamour and parties and the second half featuring woodlands and autumnal colours. Enough to make anyone leave the city for the country. 

This film gave me a mix of emotions, many that I was not expecting. I believe this film, although only out a few weeks, is a hidden gem and as soon as I left the cinema I wanted to watch it all over again. Would highly recommend. 

Tilly-Mae Holland x