Thor (2011) Review
Thor is a marvelous film in many ways. The world it creates, the incorporation of the mythology, the details emphasized from the comics and the way it connects to an Earth reality and in the process not seeming cheap by doing so.
director: Kenneth Branagh
writers: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz & Don Payne
starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddlestone and Anthony Hopkins
genre: Action | Comics | Sci-Fi
released: May 6, 2011 (U.S.), April 28, 2011 (Greece)
Of all the Marvel properties that could have gone horribly wrong, "Thor" maybe was top of the list. Trying to get the right mix of mythological, superhero, fantasy/sci-fi elements of the comics and on top of that make the casual film goer does not get too confused or consider the film cheesy, was going to be a tough job. However, instead of us speaking of another adaptation gone wrong. We have one of the best comic book films of the year and surely Marvel Studios best film yet. With director Kenneth Branagh at the helm, he has managed to bring the God of Thunder to his true glory on the big screen.
story:
In the Marvel universe there are nine realms (planets), one of which is Earth. In charge of these realms is the planet Asgard, ruled by its king Odin (Anthony Hopkins). Its rivalry is with the realm of Jotunheim, against the race of Frost Giants ruled by Laufie (Colm Feore). From this rivalry, Odin teaches his two sons Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) the eventual battles they will yet face and what lessons can be learned of true warriors and future kings to Asgard.
When the day comes for Thor to become king of Asgard, evil strikes and halts the passing of power. Thor's impatience leads to confrontation with the Frost Giants and for the sake of Asgard continued peace with Jotunheim, Thor is exiled to the realm of Midgard (Earth).
There he will be discovered by the scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and be welcomed as a delusional person. In his time with humans, he will see their value as beings and come to grips with his own past mistakes. Now he must reclaim his honor and fight his way back to Asgard to save his kin.
thoughts:
Thor is a marvelous film in many ways. The world it creates, the incorporation of the mythology, the details emphasized from the comics and the way it connects to an Earth reality and in the process not seeming cheap by doing so. Also, the choice of making Thor and the Norse gods into aliens, instead of mythological beings was a better approach for modern day cinema audiences. This idea has also been used within the comics of Thor, however, has changed from time to time, depending on the head writer’s direction and desired tone of the series.
And from all of Marvel studios productions of late Thor is by far my favorite. It's got the right mix of action, sci-fi elements, good villains, a great cast, and good sense of humor. It still might not be in any way as great as the ‘The Dark Knight’ or even as close to the ‘X-Men’ films level of drama or action spectacle, however its mighty close.
The man behind the camera that helped all this Kenneth Branagh might have been the oddest choice to direct the film. However, a Shakespearean director coordinated one of the best action films of the year. The frost giant/Thor fight couldn't be anything, but a fanboy's dream come true. In comparison, the action in the Iron Man films and Captain America while fun was lacking in certain areas. It settled for shorter sequences with less effects and fewer characters duking it out. Here, that was Marvel’s big step up and even with that they still in other areas must learn more to push the envelope.
In terms of the film on a more macro level. We have already noted it does work well as an action film, sci-fi adventure even as a comic book adaptation and true to form to Marvel and every other film of theirs it’s still not close to being more than a good action film. If it was a bit longer, with more substantial character development and maybe even intervening plot elements then the film could have been at a real quality level that we only could dream of it to be. This is not a jab only at Thor, but to Marvel Studios films in general. As it sadly feels as if films are all too focused with what’s going to happen in the upcoming Avengers film, then what’s currently happening in film’s narrative.
verdict:
‘Thor’ is a good comic book film hands down. Fans loved it, casual audiences digged it, so if you've still not seen the film, what are you waiting? Because the Avengers film is soon on its way and its best to see the individual films first, before the team is assembled for action.
Personal Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
Review by P K
PK Writer’s Note:
This review was originally written back in 2011 and has been edited/rewritten in small parts since then. The original version was not good enough to be left in same way and was partially George Lucased for sake of the reader to enjoy and comprehend better the writer's original thoughts and ideas. The essence of the review though still remains the same with no radical departure on the topic/film since then.