Any time there is a new Marvel hero having their own film and then linking to other Marvel characters, superhero fans assume they have reason to be excited. I love superhero movies, and I’ve always been a big Marvel fan. But I have a love/hate relationship at best with the newest Marvel offering, Thor: Love and Thunder.

The best part of Thor: Love and Thunder is the humor of Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor. There is also some fun to be had in the silly scenarios with jamming music, quirky action situations, and some unexpected humor. Unfortunately, though, this one relies too much on humor, with very little of the interspersed seriousness we’ve come to expect from the Marvel cinematic universe. It also goes off on way too many tangents.

The backstory in Thor: Love and Thunder is quirky and not very in-depth. The plot is that Thor returns from a long retirement because Gorr the God Butcher, played by Christian Bale, is on the hunt to destroy all of the gods. To stop him, Thor teams up with Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, Korg, played by Taika Waititi, and his ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, aka Mighty Thor, played by Natalie Portman. The film also includes much of the team from Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).

The quirkiness that is a hallmark of Marvel characters is present in Thor: Love and Thunder, and there are a few classic moments. But the film comes off as ridiculous at times, and the writing is just silly throughout the film. The narration is lacking and it goes on these obscure tangents that just don’t make sense.

Probably my biggest issue with the film, though, is Russell Crowe as Zeus. Crowe looks awful. He is obnoxious, out of shape, and just seems out of sorts. His role and performance only adds to the errors of the film.

Trying to be positive here, but it’s not coming easy. Thor: Love and Thunder is by far the least spectacular of the four Thor films. It will likely sell well at the box office, as most Marvel films do. But it lacks originality and a consistent story line, and it’s just not much fun. Just two stars for Thor: Love and Thunder.

As a cinema enthusiast, critic, and an advocate for arts, culture, and theatricals throughout the Chicagoland area, I was lucky enough to have the privilege to do coverage on The Renaissance Award virtual event. The event took place at the Gene SiskelFilm Center on Saturday June 25th. The winner of the Renaissance award was Matt Damon and Robert Downey Jr. ledthe discussion. Matt was the winner because of all his accomplishments through the years including many successful films. The program was virtual, and it was one of the most mesmerizing and in-depth conversations I have ever attended. Also, seeing Matt and Robert discuss Matt’s catalog of work, I felt there was a generous amount of mutual respect between the two actors which extended to the audience in attendance. It was a special night of appreciation and honor.

As Robert and Matt entered the livestream in front of the virtualaudience, one could feel the positive impact of the event. Thedeeper meaning of Matt’s accomplishments was explored through highlighting the roles throughout Matt’s career. The program included clips from Matt’s performances, especially ones that have always stuck with him. These moments felt deep and invigorating because I love all the films they discussed. Clips were shown from films ranging from Good Will Hunting (1997) to Syriana (2005) to The Departed (2006), and many more. Hearing Matt’s responses to why many of the key moments of his life happened during his films was very inspiring. Matt’s insights made me realize that there is a feeling of empowerment from doing interesting projects. Robert’s insights and upbeat sense of humor also added to the positive vibes of the event.

The Renaissance Award at the Gene Siskel Film Centerdemonstrated that following your passion can lead to bigger accomplishments. The conversation between Robert and Matt was wonderful. Another special element of the event was a pre-recorded congratulations to Matt from many celebrities including Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and more. The night was full of amazing, unexpected surprises and was pure cinema appreciation at its finest.

I have always loved animated films, but Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is unique.  The film is blended with an animated figure and real people. Combining the two makes the film one of the best this year with a message to be remembered. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’s Director Dean Fleischer-Camp gives his audience a movie experience filled with joy, love, and positivity. These are just a few of the many great things to say about Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.

The concept of the film is vibrant and audacious. Fleischer-Camp has a creative mind and his tools and directing skills are exhibited in a puzzle of excitement. While the film is slightly sad at times, it is overall upbeat. I loved Marcel the Shell with Shoes On because of how it relates to social media and the world we live in. I’m so excited for this film to find its audience so the story can be shared.

Jenny Slate plays Marcel who is an animated shell that speaks. The grandmother of Marcel is Connie played by Isabella Rossellini. There is also their pet lint, Alan. They were all part of a community of shells that were adventurous. Sadly, the community has vanished, and Marcel is the sole survivor. Despite the sadness of the backstory, Marcel is approached by a documentary filmmaker. This begins to make Marcel’s life invigorating and exciting. While the concept may seem silly, it comes across as genuine and wonderful. A shell having a fan base is portrayed in a simple believable manner. Authenticity is important for films and makes this one especially brilliant. 

The directing and narrative make the film appear to be in real-time. The audience who watched the film with me in the screening room also felt the realism and positive vibes. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On will make viewers laugh until they cry. It is simply one-of-a-kind.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes on is one that will appeal to people of all ages due to its important message. What spoke to me the most was the virtual concept of the film. Especially after the COVID lockdown and relying on technology to pass the time. The animation in this movie reminded me that there are many amazing virtual elements. I appreciate this film, and I know many others will as well. Three and a half stars.