'Thor: Love and Thunder' first reactions call Marvel sequel 'electrifying'

Thor: Love and Thunder had its world premiere last night in the US with fans and critics getting a first look at Chris Hemsworth's latest outing as the Norse God.

The initial reactions to the superhero sequel were broadly very positive with many critics calling the film the highlight of Phase 4 of the MCU.

Set to premiere in the UK on 8 July, the film is also Taika Waititi's second Thor movie as director after the well received Thor: Ragnarok.

The film also sees the return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster and the Mighty Thor for the first time in the MCU since 2013's Thor: The Dark World.

Read more: Chris Hemsworth excites fans by baring 'God bod'

Joining the blockbuster is Christian Bale as the villainous Gorr the God Butcher in his first superhero role since The Dark Knight Returns.

The synopsis for the film reads: Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Thor attempts to find inner peace, but must return to action and recruit Valkyrie, Korg, and Jane Foster—who has become the Mighty Thor—to stop Gorr the God Butcher from eliminating all gods.

Read more: Chris Hemsworth recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours list for charity efforts

Erik Davis of Fandango said: "Another classic Thor adventure! Thor: Love and Thunder is everything I wanted it to be. Big, colorful, weird Guns N' Roses-fueled battles to go w/ a hopelessly romantic story about discovering love in unexpected places. Christian Bale & Russell Crowe are especially great. And Korg!"

Critic Matt Neglia was also effusive with his praise: "Thor: Love and Thunder is a rockin’ great time with electrifying action, lots of laughs (the screaming goats!) & a profound story on absent gods & our desire for love. Natalie Portman makes a mighty return & Christian Bale slays it as the terrifying Gorr. The best Thor film yet!"

Richard Nebens had similar thoughts about the film: "Thor: Love and Thunder is predictably hilarious yet unexpectedly personal and heartfelt. Christian Bale and Natalie Portman's performances truly shine while Waititi delivers an emotional story. I think this may be my favorite Thor movie."

Jacob Kleinman praised the film but said it wasn't as good as Thor: Ragnarok: "I saw Thor: Love and Thunder. It can't quite match the visual or comedy bombast of Ragnarok, but Taika Waititi makes up for it with an emotionally mature Marvel movie. It's also very funny (Natalie's got jokes) and features one of the most stunning visual sequences in MCU history."

That sentiment was echoed by Joey Magidson: "Thor: Love and Thunder is a fun, tight, and largely self contained Marvel adventure. If not quite as much of a surprise as Ragnarok, this is more evidence that Taika Waititi knows how to make Thor a blast. Heart/humor mix again to make for a real good time."

Thor: Love and Thunder is released in IMAX and cinemas on 8 July.

Watch below: Thor: Love and Thunder trailer