So let's begin with the plot. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is about to be crowned king of Asgard with the stepping down of his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins, always glad to see you). However after threatening the peace with the frost giants, he's banished from his home and arrives on earth. He wakes up too Jane Foster (the easy to love Natalie Portman) and is stuck to live his life out as the strongest mortal... or does he. What follows is his retaliation to get back his powers (through his hammer Mjolnir) and learn a little about respectand his brother Loki's (Tom Hiddleston) attempt at the throne and ultimate power. The plot isn't that bad but seems kind of rushed. What leads up to his banishment is longer than it should be for such a short yet in depth film.
"Thor" is better than most super hero movies with characters, but is weaker than others in development. Let me explain a little bit. The supporting cast is a delight. Sif and the warriors three are great supporting heros. I'd like to see a lot more of them in them in the more than likely sequels. Jane's accomplices Erik and Darcy (Stellan Skarsgard and Kat Dennings) provide some bouncing off points and humor. "Thor" is probably the funniest super hero movie yet, not sure if that's a great thing. "Iron Man" was the thing to get away with it, "Thor" is up for debate. The cast is dynamic and do their job's fantastically (Jeremy Renner's cameo while small is awesome) However due to the time constraints the characters never really become what they should be. The actors make up for the weak development, it's a fair trade, but I'd rather just have both. The fights scenes aren't bad, but lack the connection "Iron Man" and Batman Begins" had. Thor is quick to start and end a fight but you won't leave upset.
The two biggest strengths come from the leads Thor and Loki, played by Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston respectively. The two are fresh young faces that need to build your acceptance from near scratch. Try to say that about Edward Norton in "The Incredible Hulk", there it felt like watching the actor overcome his obstacles. Hemsworth kicks ass and looks good doing it. His portrayal as Thor is tough, likable and has alot of backbone. He and Sam Worthington are the two emerging Australian actors worth talking about right now. One may become the next Russell Crowe and the other the next Mel Gibson. Either way it's a pretty good future. Worthington has the advantage but Hemsworth is one great project away from being #1. Tom Hiddleston is the show stealer here. He does such a great job as Loki, he makes it one the best super hero villains yet. Tom has a evil and creepy look already (not his fault, his eyes are made for it) and his acting really furthers it. Tom has three other movies coming out this year. "Midnight In Paris" and "War Horse" will be his big ones, "The Deep Blue Sea" may be his best though. He could very well be the next Ralph Fiennes, his future has no limits.
"Thor" is a good movie but it could have been better. Kenneth Branagh is marvelous director and I expected a little bit more. I think the producers held him back a little. For those who don't know him, he's the prominent Shakespearian actor/director working today. His "Henry V" is a true classic (I still haven't seen the beginning which is why I won't rate it, but I know the majority). If they gave Branagh full creative control, I'd of expect a 3 hour shakespearian style super hero movie. To me that sounds great, others will like "Thor" as it is now. My expectations weren't quite met so I can't love it. It's a damn good movie, but it could have been damn great.
7/10
Recommendation: Typical super hero movie, I'd say see it in theaters rather than waiting for dvd, it looks fantastic. I expect "X Men: First Class" to be the best super hero movie of the year after seeing this. "Captain America" looks all right. "Green Lantern"is questionable, won't be be bad but it may be low on my scale.
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