Thor and his lightning wielding hammer is the latest superhero from the Marvel universe to get the Hollywood treatment. On paper, “Thor” had all of the elements of a kitschy film: An unknown superhero rooted in Norse mythology who travels
Thor and his lightning wielding hammer is the latest superhero from the Marvel universe to get the Hollywood treatment.
On paper, “Thor” had all of the elements of a kitschy film: An unknown superhero rooted in Norse mythology who travels via flight throughout fantastical realms across space.
Instead, “Thor” has set the bar impossibly high for other superhero films debuting this summer, including “X-Men: First Class,” “Green Lantern” and “The First Avenger: Captain America.”
Australian actor Chris Hemsworth gives a breakout performance as the god of thunder. Audiences might remember Hemsworth for his brief appearance as Captain Kirk’s father in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek,” but he proves to he a star in making for his performance as the arrogant Norse god who learns humility when he is banished to Earth.
It also helped that he was sandwiched in between two Oscar-winning costars — Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins.
The audience meets Thor as he is poised to be crowned king by his father, Odin (Hopkins), much to the dismay of his brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston).
When the Frost Giants of Jotunheim break a longstanding peace treaty between them and the Asgardians, Thor and his group of warriors take it upon themselves to seek revenge on their icy enemies.
Upon learning Thor’s antics, Odin strips him of his god-like powers and sends him crashing into a desolate stretch of desert, where he is hit by a van driven by a storm chasing scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), and her team of researchers.
The film then whips back and forth from the fantastical realm of Asgard back to Earth, where Foster and her research team (Stellan Skarsgard and Kat Dennings) try to piece together the mystery surrounding Thor.
Director Kenneth Branagh proves that he not only knows his way around Shakespearian plays, but also epic superhero films. It’s undeniable that the relationships between Thor, his jealous brother and ailing father is the making of a Shakespeare drama.
The visual effects are stunning, especially the sweeping views of Asgard and the bridge that links the celestial heavens with Earth, and the action sequences were executed well, if not short.
Moviegoers want to make sure they stay through the end of the credits. As an added bonus fans get a sneak peak of “Captain America: The First Avenger.”
