Thor

Thor (2011)

Directed by Kenneth Branagh

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Kat Dennings

This movie is inspired by the Marvel comic book character Thor. Thor was first featured in the comic book series Journey Into Mystery #83 in August of 1962. Almost 50 years later Kenneth Branagh took the director’s chair for the film version of the story. The film stars Chris Hemsworth as the title character. Hemsworth is set to star in the remake of the 80’s classic Red Dawn  set for release in 2012. Academy Award winners Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman are also featured in this star-studded film. Tom Hiddleston had a big 2011 with this film and roles in Midnight in Paris and War Horse. Stellan Skarsgård (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and Kat Dennings (2 Broke Girls) round out this amazing cast.

Thor is one of two sons of the powerful king Odin who rules over the realm of Asgard. When Thor’s arrogance gets him banished from Asgard he is cast into the human world and stripped of his powers. His arrival is noticed by a young meteorologist (Portman), her assistant (Dennings), and her professor (Skarsgård). His arrival is also noticed by the government who’ve also located his powerful Hammer. As they seek to understand the hammer, Thor seeks to reclaim it. It will take more than strength to regain his power as Thor becomes one of earth’s greatest defenders.

This is another great movie in the Marvel family of films that leads to The Avengers. Like all of the films in the series this is a visual treat with a good story attached. The visual effects are great throughout the movie. The acting is also good. It’s a definite departure for Portman who had recently won her Oscar for Black Swan. Hopkins is as royal as an actor could be and Odin is the perfect fit for him. The rest of the cast is all good and make the story feel as good as most of the other Marvel films.

One thing this film lacks is a definitive conclusion. Like some of the other movies in the series its left open to help prepare for the next movie in the series.

I would definitely suggest this movie for anyone who likes the comic book genre. It’s got action and adventure, but it’s a movie the whole family can enjoy. I give this movie 3.8 out of 5 stars. It’s going to be one more great lead into The Avengers.

Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 115 minutes