As I watched my youngest son playing with his newly acquired birthday present, the Captain America Disc Launching Shield, it just hit me that his most generous friend just contributed to the craze that is all things Marvel-ous. This most
As I watched my youngest son playing with his newly acquired birthday present, the Captain America Disc Launching Shield, it just hit me that his most generous friend just contributed to the craze that is all things Marvel-ous.
This most well-received gift added to our fandom after seeing the “The Avengers” twice. But I am not that young child that can delight in flowing capes and super-powered weaponry. I am the adult viewer that must grasp that story line, understand the main character’s plight and know that there has to be, in my world, a happy ending.
“Thor” was the perfect precursor to understanding the backstory of The Avengers superhero team.
This visual effects tale of good versus evil took me into a world where gods ruled realms and grotesque creatures froze their victims to oblivion. A combination of comic book heroism and fairy tale devotion where boy gets girl (or in this case, magical hammer brandishing god gets science wizard smart female), this movie based on Norse mythology is the story of Odin (Anthony Hopkins), King of Asgard, who is about to bequeath to his eldest son, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the throne.
Standing on the sideline is Thor’s adopted brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), who is obviously jealous of his entitled sibling. The ceremony is cut short by the intrusion of the archenemy Frost Giants who come for revenge on Odin. The King of Asgard took their source of energy long ago.
Against the wishes of Odin, an angry Thor convinces Loki and their friends to confront the Frost Giants — a violent brawl ensues. Before further bloodshed happens, Odin saves the young vigilantes, then strips Thor of his super strength and banishes him to Earth for his arrogance and stubbornness. Odin casts Thor’s almighty hammer down to Earth, too, as Thor is no longer worthy of it’s possession.
Meanwhile, Loki discovers his true origin — he is the abandoned offspring of Laufey, chief of the Frost Giants. He accuses Odin of taking him for selfish reasons. This causes Odin to fall into a coma.
Unable to carry his duties as king, a bitter and conniving Loki conveniently replaces Odin. Thor, now a mortal on Earth, meets Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), a scientist, whose quest is to unlock the mysteries from beyond.
Intrigued by her new find, she is both fascinated and frightened by Thor. Thor sets out to find the mystical hammer, his source of strength, which he hears has landed on Earth. He is sure the hammer will give him the means to return to home. However, a malevolent Loki comes to see Thor and informs him Odin has passed and he must never return to Asgard.
Thor’s warrior friends agree they must go to Earth and warn him about Loki’s newfound and unwelcomed power.
Thor begs them to return home for fear that Loki will unleash his fury on them, which he does in the form of a monstrous metal beast, the Destroyer. The warriors and mortal Thor are no match for this armored giant; Thor sacrifices his life to save his friends, his love, Jane, and the innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Thor’s sacrifice awakens Odin and Thor’s powers are restored including possessing the mystical hammer. Thor and the warriors return to Asgard where Thor and Loki face off in a fierce battle. Through their savage fight, both fall into the abyss but saved by Odin. As the brothers hang on by a staff, Loki sees his father’s disappointment and releases his hand sending him into the universe.
Both Thor and Odin grieve for Loki but Asgard is brought back to its peaceful state. On Earth and back to her research, Jane searches for Thor knowing one day he will return to her.
It’s no wonder that Marvel has the ability to entrance you with the awesomeness of its superheroes and its impressive effects with movie making. As my son and I await the arrival of “Thor 2,” I live vicariously through his play with the Captain America shield and getting caught up in the scope of power it brings him.
