Marvel’s god of thunder returns for his third solo outing, this time teaming with the Incredible Hulk, as he attempts to prevent Ragnarok the end of all things.

Following a Luke warm reception for his last film Thor: The Dark World, Marvel made the bold decision to recruit ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ director Taika Waititi for this latest instalment in their cinematic universe.

While dealing with his treacherous brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) the heroic Thor, played by once again by Chris Hemsworth, is faced with a new threat in the form of Cate Blanchett’s Hela, the Godess of Death.

But before he has the chance to face his new nemesis, Thor is thrown into a gladiatorial contest against his old friend Bruce Banner, AKA The Incredible Hulk.

Director Waititi expertly blends his unique brand of humour with the more serious trappings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe which results in one of the funniest Marvel movies yet. Despite the overall lighter tone, the stakes never feel cheapened.

The excellent Cate Blanchett perfectly embodies the role of Hela, bringing a real sense of threat to the film’s main antagonist.

Jeff Goldblum is as entertaining as ever in the role of the Grandmaster and Tessa Thompson shines as Asgardian warrior Valkyrie.

It is Waititi himself, however, who steals the show playing Rock Monster Korg via motion capture. His dry wit and soft New Zealand accent combining to create one the funniest characters you will have seen on the big screen this year.

Thor himself has always been one of least interesting Avengers but here Hemsworth relishes the chance to do more with the character, proving he is equally at home with the lighter material and delivering an entertaining performance with effortless comedic timing.

Like many of its predecessors, this film is a little overlong and some of the series’ original characters, such as Idris Elba’s Heimdal and are somewhat sidelined in favour of the new ones.

Also a drawn out opening section involving Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange feels needless and should really have been left on the cutting room floor. But these are small gripes in what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable film.

Marvel’s risky decision to hand the reigns over to Watiti, a director known predominantly for comedy, proves to be inspired.

Hardcore fans of the MCU will no doubt love this film, but it is enjoyable and unique enough in its own right to be appreciated by all.