Release Date: May 06, 2011
Runtime: 1 hr. 55 min.
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgård, Colm Feore, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, Kat Dennings.
First, it was “Iron Man.” Then, “The Incredible Hulk.” Now, the latest hero to emerge from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is not a man, but a god. The God of Thunder, to be exact. Chris Hemsworth stars as Thor, the arrogant and reckless son of Odin, who is banished to Earth after disobeying his father’s orders. Upon arrival, he struggles to cope with exile, while trying to redeem himself worthy of his powers and the Asgardian throne. With the help of astrophysicist Jane Foster (Portman), he gains new perspective on what it is to be a mortal, and the act of selflessness. Though lesser known of the cast in comparison, Hemsworth commandeers his role with ease, perfecting the character as Robert Downey, Jr. had done with Tony Stark. His magnetism and good-natured humor are what make the film worthwhile, if not the over-the-top special effects. While frequently appearing outlandish in a multitude of colors, it’s impossible not to marvel at the scope of work that Branagh and his team have done to capture the realm of these Norse gods. As fantasy and reality collide, the story alternates between seriousness and lightheartedness, while keeping the action and entertainment intact. But of course, every origins story has its weaknesses, and it’s the jumpy editing and condensing of details that is the most apparent. Yet, thanks to the setup in “Iron Man 2,” “Thor” manages to sustain its framework while moving towards the next chapter in “The Avengers.” Keep a look out for an uncredited cameo and an Easter Egg that gives another piece to the puzzle. In spite of being an early skeptic, there’s no doubt that “Thor” has set the bar high for the summer lineup. With “Green Lantern” and “Captain America” only a month apart, it’ll be tough not to have any expectations. Let the battle versus evil begin.
First, it was “Iron Man.” Then, “The Incredible Hulk.” Now, the latest hero to emerge from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is not a man, but a god. The God of Thunder, to be exact. Chris Hemsworth stars as Thor, the arrogant and reckless son of Odin, who is banished to Earth after disobeying his father’s orders. Upon arrival, he struggles to cope with exile, while trying to redeem himself worthy of his powers and the Asgardian throne. With the help of astrophysicist Jane Foster (Portman), he gains new perspective on what it is to be a mortal, and the act of selflessness. Though lesser known of the cast in comparison, Hemsworth commandeers his role with ease, perfecting the character as Robert Downey, Jr. had done with Tony Stark. His magnetism and good-natured humor are what make the film worthwhile, if not the over-the-top special effects. While frequently appearing outlandish in a multitude of colors, it’s impossible not to marvel at the scope of work that Branagh and his team have done to capture the realm of these Norse gods. As fantasy and reality collide, the story alternates between seriousness and lightheartedness, while keeping the action and entertainment intact. But of course, every origins story has its weaknesses, and it’s the jumpy editing and condensing of details that is the most apparent. Yet, thanks to the setup in “Iron Man 2,” “Thor” manages to sustain its framework while moving towards the next chapter in “The Avengers.” Keep a look out for an uncredited cameo and an Easter Egg that gives another piece to the puzzle. In spite of being an early skeptic, there’s no doubt that “Thor” has set the bar high for the summer lineup. With “Green Lantern” and “Captain America” only a month apart, it’ll be tough not to have any expectations. Let the battle versus evil begin.
Rating: 4 stars
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