In my Ghostbusters review, I noted that the most ironic thing about the lady-driven reboot is the fact that the funniest actor in it is, well, a dude:
Ironically, given all the Sturm und Drang over the fact that the Ghostbusters are now ladies, Kevin [Chris Hemsworth], a man, is the best, funniest part of the film. His sweet stupidity along with Erin’s semi-creepy fawning over his good looks along with some genuinely clever Abbot and Costello "Who’s on First"-style dialogue during his introduction combine to help him steal the show from the Lady Ghostbusters.
This really shouldn't be that surprising, though. Chris Hemsworth is a reliably funny actor, when he's given the chance.
Hemsworth is best known for his work as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And the only reason those films really work is because Hemsworth plays the transparently ridiculous character—a Norse God who travels across an interstellar rainbow bridge so he can throw a hammer at trolls and the such—with half-a-wink. The best scenes in the first film are those that involve him bringing his Asgard aesthetic to Midgard:
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given that Joss Whedon is behind the camera, his comedic talents shine most brightly in the Avengers films. Remember when he tries to stake a claim to apprehending Loki after Earth's Mightiest Superheroes demand he be captured?
Solid set up. And the punchline ...
...was perfect, and perfectly delivered.
Indeed, the "hammer-lifting" scene in Age of Ultron is pretty much the only part of that film I remember, in large part because of Hemsworth's facial expressions when Cap almost gets it off the table:
Hemsworth has also turned into a reliable guest host of Saturday Night Live, having hosted the show twice now. For some reason (that reason being Chris Hemsworth making ridiculous faces in an extremely serious way) this makes me laugh every time I watch it:
The monologue in his second episode is also pretty much perfect:
Anyway, you probably shouldn't see the new Ghostbusters. It's just not very good. But if you were to see Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig's new movie because it stars one of the sharpest, funniest comedic talents working today—you know, Chris Hemsworth—well, I wouldn't hold it against you.