Thor [DVD]

As someone who hasn't read the Thor comics, I have no idea how faithful this film is or how in-character everybody is. But as a film fanatic, this is an amazing addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The viewer starts with little love for the main character, but I (and the people I watched this with) found that his personality was developed wonderfully, and that he's actually a really likeable hero underneath his arrogance and self-centred-ness. By the end of the film, he's one of the most relatable characters. Even the villain of this story is sympathetic, and it really is painful for the viewer to see him lose his way. I was apprehensive about the humans Thor meets- I don't really like romance or 'fish-out-of-water' movies- but they were all rather likeable and behaved realistically enough- well, except Darcy. I'd watch a film about that girl on her own, she's a brilliant cloud cuckoolander.

Some aspects of the story could have been explained better- like the Odinsleep- but most of these mysteries are cleared up with either watching the other MCU films or looking at some Norse myths (which is what this film and it's comic counterpart are loosely based on). I liked the way aspects of Norse legend like Yggdrasil, the World Tree, were incorporated into this movie. Also, unlike most MCU films, this is very character-driven, and I think that is what makes it such a good film. The action scenes are few and far between, but what we see is epic and I think it's done really well.

It's a film I'd recommend to anybody with an interest in superheroes (since it's a fresh breath for the genre) and also for anybody who likes fantasy or family/romantic dramas. There's a little of something for everybody.

Based on the characterisation of Thor from the Marvel comics, this much awaited and heralded superhero movie is pretty darned good. I'm not familiar with the comics, so know nothing of the characterisation or plot lines from them, but this was no barrier to enjoying this well made and entertaining movie.

Based around the mythology of the Norsemen, it gives us Thor, son of Odin. Deceived into starting a war with the ice giants by his brother Loki, Odin banishes him to Earth, where he becomes its protector. Eventually he must return to Asgard to defend his own people from the plots of his brother, who would, of course, be King.

It's a tale huge in scope, and director Kenneth Branagh has the eye to give it sweeping epic nature it needs. It's an excellently done piece, with lots of good special effects and a feeling of grandeur. One of the things in the film's favour is that, unlike many superhero films, the story of the creation of the hero and other background material is dealt with quickly and efficiently, allowing us to get straight to the story in hand and not get bogged down in unnecessary background. Which allows us to dive straight into a pretty thrilling ride. There are also a few nice touches that seem to pay homage to earlier classic superhero/sci fi films, with scenes that reminded me of Superman 2, The Day The Earth Stood Still and Men In Black. Full marks to Branagh for pulling it off.

Chris Hemsworth is an engaging hero, almost believable as the Norse God. Tom Hiddlestone (with whom Branagh previously worked on the Wallander series) is well cast as the sneaky and rotten Loki, delivering a complex villain with quite a lot of style. Anthony Hopkins brings a real gravitas to the piece as the weary yet still all mighty Odin. The cast are up to the Director's vision, and turn in some cracking performances. As superhero films go I have to say it is one of the best I have seen, and have to give it 5 stars.

The film follows the myth/legend of Thor from the Marvel comics, who is played by, and if i might say with a very Heath Ledger like performance by Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek [George Kirk, at the start of the movie]) who does well for his first major lead role. Along with his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston - who also starred in director Branagh's acclaimed t.v detective show Wallander) as the sons of the ageing King Odin (Anthony Hopkins -The Silence of the Lambs) who has to decide which of them is to become his successor to the throne of Asgard.

But after Thor & his trusty group of warriors set out against the will of Odin to confront past rival, King Laufey (Colm Feore -The Chronicles Of Riddick), things dont go to plan, and culminate with Odin stripping Thor of his hammer/powers & banishing him to Earth as a humble human, untill he learns to change his ways & learn the consequences of his actions. On Earth he literally bumps into scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman -Black Swan), and her group, Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård -Good Will Hunting) & Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings -Thor), who want to learn more about him & where he came from. But still thinking he is a mighty hero, his ego takes a bashing rather then his enemies this time around, as he realises he is just a humble human now.

Overall, coming into this I wasnt 100% sure what i would be getting with this Marvel comic movie, directed by Kenneth Branagh, but i did walk away at least enjoying it. A big part of that was down to the films pace, it clicked along well & kept my interest. As well as the cast, Anthony Hopkins was amazing as Odin, powerfull, wise & yet fragile. Natalie Portman had a good chemistry with Chirs Hemsworth, the romance & genuine funny moments between them, offerd up some nice light hearted moments in the movie. Colm Feore gave a usual menacing performance, and the relatively unknown Tom Hiddleston also held his own as the devious Loki. Rene Russo(The Thomas Crown Affair), Idris Elba(The Wire) & Stellan Skarsgård also added weight to film with their performances, Russo in very much a cameo role. As you might expect with a fantasy film these days, CGI is heavily depended on for the Asgard setting etc... and the battle scenes were well done, with the obvious OTT yet very entertaining battles.

In conclusion, Thor is a very entertaining & enjoyable fanatsy film. I'd highly reccomended it as a break from the usual run of the mill movies.