As we approach 2018, Marvel Studios’ Cinematic Universe continues to impress fans and critics with their ‘marvelous’ films. Marvel finished the year strong with Thor: Ragnarok, the third film in the Thor franchise released in early November. The rest of their films to be released till 2019 include Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Captain Marvel.

Ever since Marvel Studios’ first film, Iron Man, released in 2008, their films have become progressively more space focused. With the introduction of Thor, then the Guardians of the Galaxy, space has become a prominent feature in the films, and Thor: Ragnarok certainly delivers. A colorful cosmic adventure, the film sets a new standard for the franchise, as well as the superhero movie genre.

In Thor: Ragnarok, Thor finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first, he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger, the Incredible Hulk.

Who knew an actor like Chris Hemsworth could deliver such a comedic yet fearsome performance. As Thor, Hemsworth diverges from the other Avengers to take on a few issues back at home, mainly Cate Blanchett’s Hela. She’s ‘hella’ mean, snarky, and striking.

The film was directed by Taika Waititi, a man who definitely understands how to blend action and travesty with humor. I think Waititi brings a lot of his experience as a comedian to the film. The consistently comedic nature of Ragnarok does a lot to humanize these larger-than-life characters. Nailing the tone and visuals, Waititi has undoubtedly produced the best Thor film yet. The film is perfectly acceptable as an action flick but inspired as a comedy, probably the direction the Thor franchise should’ve been aiming from the start.

The film also has its fair share of heartfelt moments. Much to the anticipation of fanboys such as myself, Tom Hiddleston returns as the mischievous Loki and half brother of Thor. It’s an all around near-perfect flick, with its color, action, humor, and much much more.

This film is what Marvel Studios wants to be and what it should be. Ever since the dawn of superhero comics, characters have been crossing over into each other’s stories. However we’ve only just gotten out titanic cinematic team up in the form of Marvel’s the Avengers, and with the up and coming Avengers: Infinity War set to hit theaters in May of 2018, the world of crossover team ups is only just beginning.