By the power of Odin the summer blockbusters have started like a thunderous lighting rod under actor turned director, Kenneth Branagh. Branagh’s most famous acting roles include Hamlet, Frakenstein, and Henry V, which made him the perfect director to create this drama about gods coming to Earth.
Thor and his brother Loki live in the land of Asgard, one of the Nine Realms, another being Earth. Their father is Odin, the most powerful of them all and the being who settled piece between Asgard and the frost giants of Jotunheim. Thor is set to take the throne from Odin, but Odin finds him arrogant and vain, and banishes him to Earth until he is worthy to wield Mjolnir the hammer, and source of Thor’s power. But Thor must do it quickly because while Odin slumbers to regains his strength his brother Loki sits on the throne and the frost giants are looking for their revenge on Asgard. It’s up to team of scientists, lead by Jane Foster, to teach Thor the meaning of being a true hero.
I’ve never been big on Thor. I’ve tried reading it several times but just couldn’t get into it. I was excited for this film however, mainly because I know it’s all tying into next summer’s The Avengers with Iron Man and Captain America by Thor’s side. Chris Hemsworth does a great job of portraying the god of thunder. He’s got leading man potential written all over him. Just ask my wife about the scene with his shirt off. I believe her words were, “wow.” Tom Hiddleston is an actor I’m not too familiar with but he pulled of being Loki like a charm. I look forward to him returning for The Avengers. And of course Anthony Hopkins as Odin is what Anthony Hopkins always is; awesome.
The supporting cast all filled their roles well, although after seeing Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis make-out I’ll never look at either of them the same again. Rene Russo also returns to movies in this film after a brief absence from the business. The other honorable mention is Jamie Alexander as the warrior women Sif. And when I say that I mean she looks like she’d be an awesome Wonder Woman.
The films strayed a little ways from the comic, such as Jane being a medical doctor and not an astrophysicist. But that didn’t stop the film being all out enjoyable. The action was worthy of the gods thanks to the special effects team, all the actors were terrific, and Asgard looked so cool it put Middle Earth to shame. If I had one gripe about the film it would be Portman’s school-girl persona when she finds out the guy she’s been crushing on is a super-powered hunk. If you’re not familiar with Marvel films then you might want to brush up before seeing this film so you can catch all the little references, and if you know what’s to come then you’ll be just as gitty as I was at the end. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you to stay for after the credits as well.
This is just the beginning for the summer of superheroes. With X-Men: First Class and Captain America: The First Avenger yet to be released you can bet it’ll be a good summer for Marvel Comics. Will Ryan Reynolds in Green Lantern be able to hold off Marvel at the box office as the only representative for DC Comics this summer? Only time, ticket sales, and Happy Meal toys will tell.
RATING: B+
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