Thor: Love and Thunder

   

     Taika Waititi returns as director and co-writer of the next chapter in Marvel's Thor series. This time out he borrows heavily from the recent comics run of Thor but instills his own brand of wacky humor into the script.

      Chris Hemsworth returns, of course, as Thor who still seems to be finding his way in the Marvel universe. After a prologue with new addition Christian Bale,  the film begins with Thor traveling with the Guardians of the Galaxy (great to see this group again, even if it is just a cameo). He soon receives a message from Sif, played again by Jamie Alexander, that someone is murdering Gods and that New Asgard is in grave danger.

      At the same time, we are reunited with Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, who sat out the last film. Jane has cancer but Thor's hammer transforms her into a female Thor and she is temporarily cured as she gains his powers. Director Waititi also again does the voice of CGI character, Korg. Tessa Thompson also returns as Valkyrie and King of New Asgard. Mr. Bale is Gorr, the God Butcher, the main villain pulled directly from the comics. As usual, he completely disappears into the character and manages to inject a dose of humanity into the role. Russell Crowe has an extended cameo as Zeus, the Greek God. Although why he plays him with an Italian accent is beyond me.

      Mr. Waititi, besides using "Lady Thor" and Gor, also brings Thor's giant goats from the comic to life, and their bleating screams are funny every time. Upping the humor ante from the last film, "Love and Thunder" is filled with humor and  absolute silliness at times. While fun, it does make the film uneven between the serious threat of Gor and the many verbal and visual jokes.

       The music is great with much use of "Guns & Rose" material. Overall, if you don't take it very seriously, you'll enjoy the ride. Of course
what would a Marvel movie be without a mid-credit scene (which introduces a surprise character) and an end credit scene (a fitting coda). There is also a final welcome message to the fans..."Thor will return".