Ragnarok

An expedition to arctic Scandinavia turns terrifying

An archaeologist widower in Oslo believes he has discovered the secret to the myth of Ragnarok from an inscription via the Oseberg ship. He and a colleague form a small expedition to Oksefjorden (Finnmark) in extreme northern Norway where they discover a legendary bottomless lake. Unfortunately for them, something ancient and terrifying seems to dwell there. Will they make it back alive?

Released in 2013, “Ragnarkok,” aka “Gåten Ragnarok” (meaning "The Riddle Ragnarok"), is a Norwegian adventure & creature feature highlighted by awesome remote Scandinavian scenery, some simple Nordic mythology and Cold War relics. There are bits of “The Island at the Top of the World,” “Alien,” “Jurassic Park” and a little “Dragonslayer” (1981).

Unfortunately, the characters are rather bland and at least one story idea is glaringly hackneyed (you’ll know what I mean). Yet Pål Sverre Hagen is goodhearted as the protagonist, Sigurd, and Sofia Helin is winsome enough as Elisabeth, although she coulda been utilized better (not talkin’ ’bout nudity or sleaze).

Shortcomings notwithstanding, there are enough positives to make “Ragnarok” worthwhile for those interested. Like “Jurassic Park,” it’s family-friendly despite the terrifying elements.

The film runs about 1 hour, 36 minutes, and was shot in Norway (including Vikingskiphuset, Oslo, for the museum scenes) and Sweden. The language is Norwegian, but there are subtitles.

GRADE: B-