Today’s quick review: Thor. When his rash actions nearly trigger a war between the gods of Asgard and the Frost Giants of Jotunheim, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Norse god of thunder, is banished from Asgard by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) as a lesson in humility. Trapped on Earth and stripped of his powers, he is taken in by Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), an astronomer who has been studying a series of strange anomalies. But Thor’s exile is just the opportunity his treacherous brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) needs to betray their father and claim the Asgardian throne.
Thor is a science fantasy superhero movie and the third entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Thor takes on the ambitious task of selling the Norse pantheon in a science fiction setting and succeeds admirably. Asgard is portrayed as a hyper-advanced civilization located in space, whose advanced technology looks and behaves like magic. With the setting firmly in place, Thor then proceeds to tell a fantasy-esque story of deceit, inheritance, and the wisdom to rule.
The acting in the movie fits its semi-comedic tone. The film is serious enough on its own terms, but it is far enough removed from the historical Norse gods that it can embrace Marvel’s sense of fun. Chris Hemsworth makes for an entertaining Thor, honest and brave, but brash and unwise. Tom Hiddleston steals the show as Loki, his charming, deceitful brother. Natalie Portman rounds out the main cast as Jane Foster, Thor’s guide and love interest in the world of Midgard.
Beyond its setting and characters, Thor is an action movie in the superhero mold. Thor pulls off a few neat tricks in combat with his enchanted hammer Mjolnir, while his Asgardian allies have fighting styles of their own to give the combat a nice bit of variety. The special effects are gorgeous, from the gleaming spires of Asgard to the frosty wastes of Jotunheim. The plot delivers a nice blend of action, comedy, and drama that fits the tone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe quite well.
Watch Thor if you are in the mood for an entertaining superhero movie with elements of fantasy. While it lacks the scope of later Marvel movies, it remains an easy watch that stands well on its own. Skip it if you find the premise too far-fetched, if you prefer strict adherence to Norse mythology, or if you are looking for deep storytelling.
7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for action and enjoyability.