This Summer's first blockbuster has arrived in the form of a hammer-wielding Marvel Superhero named Thor. Directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Chris Hemsworth in the title role, the movie was a visually stunning comic-book action piece done in 3-D.
Set in two universes, Asgard and Earth, the movie jumps back and forth from the two distinct locations. Serving as an origin story and lead-up to next year's highly anticipated The Avengers movie, the film gives both the crazed comic-book fans as well as newcomers the beginning of how Thor came to be. After being banished by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) from Asgard for his arrogance, Thor is banished to planet Earth and stripped of his powers. There, he meets a geeky astrologically-talented scientist, Jane Foster, a role that is brilliantly played by Academy Award Winning Actress Natalie Portman. Jane's team of scientists includes Darcy (Kat Dennings) and mentor Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard). Learning to be the king that his father wants him to become, Thor is forced to adapt and find a way home while helping Jane and her team uncover the truth behind the wormhole in the sky in which she was investigating before Thor fell from the sky. Over in Asgard, Thor's manipulative brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) continues to coyly plot his rise to the throne as he does whatever he can to keep his Thor from returning to the kingdom.
As previously stated, the visuals are stunning. The CGI for Asgard as well as the numerous battle sequences were all very well done. Chris Hemsworth also gives a decent performance as the superhero, though in my opinion he does not rank as one of the top superheroes. While he delivers and is convincing as Thor, he doesn't provide the charismatic appeal of, say, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man or Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Natalie Portman, who has been in so many movies this year that I have lost count serves her purpose in this film. Further, her onscreen chemistry with Hemsworth is evident and enough to make their relationship believable.
The movie itself was fun, thrilling and a great lead-up to Captain America and The Avengers. But compared to other superhero movies like Iron Man, Spider-Man or X-Men, Thor falls short. The film felt like one massive set-up, and though it gives an entertaining explanation of how Thor becomes Thor, the movie ended on a note that made me walk out of the theater thinking, "That's it?" Nonetheless, Thor is a good opener for the Summer Movie Season. Lastly, be sure to stay after the end credits for a special footage. Like all of the other comic book movies, the producers have slipped a special scene in there to set-up what's to come in The Avengers.
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