Film Review: "Thor"

What makes the perfect superhero movie? Is it the casting of well-known performers, such as Robert Downey Jr. and Hugh Jackman, to play the titular hero of a specific film? Is it the constant fighting sequences that the hero endures with a specific villian? Or is it the latest technology that enhances the film's special effects that amaze audiences worldwide? While all of these elements are indeed essential for making a movie like this, I believe that the most important aspect would be a well-written story that allows the protagonist to emerge completely-developed emotionally. Unfortunately, most of the comic-book adaptations I have seen over the past few years were either convaluted by the inclusion of too many characters or the featuring of multiple storylines; which resulted in making the film difficult to follow. However, it pleases me to say that I recently saw a comic-book film that featured an easy-to-follow storyline, characters that were emotionally-developed, and the dealing with serious topics, such as humility and family, in a well-crafted manner. I am talking about Director Kenneth Branagh’s cosmic epic “Thor;” which opened May 6 and is based on the comic series from Marvel of the same name. And, thanks in large part to an intriguing tale and a talented ensemble of performers, which includes Australian Actor Chris Hemsworth as the film’s official star, we are given a well-developed tale of good-vs.-evil with real passion. Thus, I can verily say that:






"Thor" is an Exciting Story Consitisting of Action and Raw Emotion




When we first officially meet Chris Hemworth’s protagonist, he is about to inherit the powerful Hammer of Mjolnir as well as be declared the new ruler of the celestial world of Asgard by his father King Odin; portrayed with great authority and resolve by Anthony Hopkins. Unfortunately, the proceedings are interrupted by the Frost Giants, the Asgardians’ lifelong enemies, in an effort to steal The Casket of Ancient Warriors; which happens to be the primary source of all power in Thor’s home world. Despite the urging of his father not to cross the bridge that connects the Asgardians’ world to the home of the Frost Giants, Thor gathers his friends as well as his younger brother Loki, played with devilish elegance by Tom Hiddleston, in effort to make a stand against their neighboring rivals. After they cross the bridge, Thor and his band engage in a battle with the Frost Giants; even though they ultimately end up being outnumbered by a group of soldiers. Just then, King Odin arrives to stop the fighting; and later, in front of everyone, he declares him no longer the King of Asgard and banishes him to our world; where he is to learn a lesson in humility. He is also stripped of the Hammer of Mjolnir, which happens to be the source of all his power, and he eventually lands on the ground in New Mexico; where he is eventually discovered by scientist Jane Foster—played sincerely by Natalie Portman. Foster, along with her colleagues Darcy Lewis, played by Kat Dennings, and Dr. Erik Selvig, played by Stellan Skarsgard, take Hemsworth’s fallen God-Hero into their van and take him in for medical help; all the while not noticing the Hammer of Mjolnir cemented in stone and encased by a spell that only allows the laudable to remove it and embrace its power. Meanwhile, back in Asgard, Loki learns that he is actually not Odin's biological son; as he was discovered as an infant following a war with the Frost Giants years ago. Afte Loki confronts his father about the truth of his childhood, Hopkins’ character collapses; leading Loki to declare himself King. Meanwhile on Earth, Thor soon falls in love with Jane Foster; but still yearns to return to Asgard. And, throughout the film, Chris Hemsworth ensures a performance that allows audiences to cheer as he travels on his quest to redemption.



Image taken from http://www.comicsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Thor-Chris-Hemsworth.jpg




When watching “Thor”, it is great to see Chris Hemsworth’s character make the transition from being a foolhardy and revenge-seeking super-soldier; to becoming more reserved and respectful to his fellow man. At the start of the film, our protagonist is utterly blinded by over-confidence; particularly when he feels that he could defeat a stampede of monsters in the world of the Frost Giants. His character keeps fighting until he is surrounded by an army of enemies; only to be rescued by King Odin—who refuses his son’s urging to join him in battle. And, despite his pleas that he was only trying to defend Odin's honor, his over-ambition leads him to being scolded immensely by his father In other words, all our hero wanted to do was make his father proud; but, unfortunately, his actions brought about unexpectedly negative consequences.




However, it is some time after being banished to Earth that Chris Hemsworth’s Thor begins to understand compassion and deference. Upon meeting Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster, Thor is initially more-than-eager to return to his home world. Unfortunately, that means fighting a room full of hospital workers; and later, a group of agents working for the secretive military organization S.H.I.E.L.D. in a failed attempt to reclaim and utilize his powerful Hammer. It is through bonding and falling in love with Portman’s character that our hero is able to explore his softer side; thus beginning to understand compassion. And, when his brother unleashes his villainy onto Earth, Thor has to do what he can to ensure everyone's protection . And Chris Hemsworth’s overall performance keeps the audience on the edge of their seats; as he is obviously more-than-dedicated to his role.



But while Chris Hemsworth does a fine job portraying his hero, I believe that Tom Hiddleston gives a great performance as the villainous Loki as well. When it is revealed that he is not really the son of Hopkin’s character, Loki becomes consumed with rage; as he feels that he should have been declared the new King of Asgard. And from this point, you can see the fire in Hiddleston’s eyes as the actor gives his character a serious appetite for evil and conquest—by any means necessary. And all scenes that he shares with Chris Hemsworth’s character are well-executed; as the two actors face off against each other with great force and passion. In other words, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston are perfectly casted as their respective characters and all of their scenes are very emotional as well as full of action.





Image taken from http://www.mannythemovieguy.com/images/thor_interview_tom_hiddleston_loki_movie_2011.jpg


While Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston gave great performances throughout the film, there are, of course, some problems I had with the overall film. For instance, even though Natalie Portman did a good jop portraying Thor’s love interest Jane Foster, I wish she was given more screentime. Her scenes with Chris Hemsworth were well-performed and well-written; but I wish they had more scenes together. I also feel that Kat Dennings' and Stellan Skarsgard's roles could have been reducted a bit; so that more time could have been alotted to the relationship between Chris Hemsworth's and Natalie Portman's characters.




But perhaps the main problem I had with "Thor," would be the fact that Anthony Hopkins, while giving a fine and steadfast performance as King Odin, wasn's given anything spectacular to do; other than stripping Hemsworth’s Thor of his godly powers as well as revealing to Hiddleston’s Loki the truth about his past. Anthony Hopkins is a legendary actor and I was excited to see him in a movie based on a Marvel comic. However, I feel that he was mainly casted as a stunt to attract people who aren’t big comic book fans to see the film. It would have been great to observe Hopkin’s character participate in some of the action as well as engage in more scenes with Hemsworth’s and Hiddleston’s characters. But, unfortunately, that was not the case and I feel that any actor could have played his role.

Nevertheless, I can directly say that “Thor” was a comic book movie that not only entices audiences’ attention through action and captivating 3D footage; but, also through a solid story and a significant amount of sentiment. I am really looking forward to seeing Chris Hemsworth don the Hammer of Mjolnir once again in May 2012; when he stars alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury in Director Joss Whedon’s adaptation of “The Avengers.” And, hopefully, we can get a well-written story to accompany such a high-profile film. For even though special effects and action-sequences are fascinating, nothing is more powerful than human emotion.



e-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com