Thor
Thor in Review;
As Part of the Ramp Up for the Avengers Film Franchise Films, several of the Avenger Members are having Films of their own made, in order to Introduce, and supply a History, for the Future Avenger Audiences. That’s my take on it anyway, maybe it’s just a coincidence… Nahh. Well Thor went far beyond that. In the Spirit of True Fantasy Films, however unlike many of the 80’s Fantasy Films, the Budget allowed for this Film (Coupled with the Superb Screenplay, and the Enormous Material in which to draw upon) made Thor one of my 40 Favorite Films. 40th to be exact (See My Favorite Films List Here on my Movie Reviews – Favorite Films Page). But that list is not 100% accurate, and I have to tell you, I just had to add it immediately after I saw it, it may move its way up at some point. Thor is a Must See for all that Love Fantasy Films. The Scenes in Asgard alone, are tremendous.
Coupled with the Stellar Performances of Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Hopkins (Odin), Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and the Warriors Three Ray Stevenson (Volstagg) Josh Dallas (Fandral) and Tadannobu Asano (Hogun), it is frankly just a Solid Piece. Much Like the Thor Character Himself in the Comics, one who merely looks at a Picture of him might say, eh, A Norse Looking Dude with a Hammer, and a Winged Helmet. Big Deal, I like Superman.
There are no Pictures, nor Scenes from this Film that Can Do it Justice. You must Simply See it, you will not Regret it. What really shocked me was that they not only included The Warriors Three (I not only read some Thor, and a lot of Avengers, but I also read a Comic Trilogy specifically designated to The Warriors Three), but they were represented marvelously (No Pun Intended).
In these Three, along with Thor, a kind of Lord of The Rings Spirit of Brotherhood is captured, I was very impressed.
The Story; The Unruly Thor is Exiled to Earth, where his Father Odin (Played Excellently by Anthony Hopkins), hopes that he will perhaps learn a bit of Humility.
Stripped of all his God Like Powers, at first Thor does not exactly realize what’s happened to him. He learns quickly. Meanwhile in the background, the Mischievous Loki (Thor’s Brother Played Exceptionally well by Tom Hiddleston), is attempting to weave himself into Power in Asgard, Thor’s home.
Along the way Thor meets Jane Foster (Portrayed by Natalie Portman, not exactly a challenging Role, but she plays it well. Think Jodi Foster in Contact, the over enthusiastic/obsessive Scientist),
and Erik Selvig
(Played by Stellan Skarsgard, I love him he played Professor Gerald Lambeau in Good Will Hunting, as well as Cerdic in King Arthur). Probably didn’t know that was him, huh. He was awesome.
Time is running out quickly for Thor, as his Father falls ill in Asgard, and Loki aligns himself with King Laufey (King of the Frost Giants, portrayed very well by Colm Feore ).
I don’t want to give any more away, see it.
The Characters;
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) – I was familiar with this actor prior to Thor, as he played Kirks Father in the beginning of the Newest “Star Trek” Film. I noted him then, and thought he was an excellent choice for the role. He far exceeded my expectations, his representation of Thor is Solid, Right on the Mark (Being a Thor Fan prior to this film).
Odin (Anthony Hopkins) – Anthony Hopkins has been one of my Favorite Actors for years. Ever since “Silence of the Lamb”, he’s captivated me in such Solid Roles as Charles Morse in “The Edge”, and William Parish in “Meet Joe Black”. His Odin is Heart Felt, and very Solid, as was expected.
Loki (Tom Hiddleston) – This Actor is nothing short of Marvelous (Once again, no Pun intended). I would watch this Film over and over again just to see him act.
Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) – As I mentioned above, not exactly a memorable role for Natalie, but often the “Girlfriends” of the Superhero’s aren’t. I’d have to say Margo Kitter as Lois Lane was probably the best. But I don’t think it was Natalie’s fault, didn’t seem like that interesting of a character, and she is so likable as an Actress, she held up her part of the Film perfectly.
Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) – Once again, not a very Challenging Role for an Actor that I simply love. His portrayal as Professor Gerald Lambeau in “Good Will Hunting”, coupled with his Role in “King Arthur” as Cerdic, were simply… I won’t use the M word again, let’s just say he’s quite good. And as with Natalie, he held up the Role fine.
Volstagg (Ray Stevenson) – Just awesome.
Fandral (Josh Dallas) – Loved him, opitimany of Swashbucking.
Hogun (Tadannobu Asano) – He was fine, not much of a role actually.
Sif (Jaimie Alexander) – Eh, she was ok. Kind of a Generic Woman Warrior, not a lot of Character. When I saw her I pictured the Casting Agent saying “Choose her, she looks cute with a sword”, so needless to say, I wasn’t impressed.
The Director; Kenneth Branagh. Come on, My Hat’s off to their choice for the Thor Director, why not grab the Director that knows Shakespeare Front and Back, with such Films as “Hamlet”, and “As You Like It”. After all, Thor is about as Shakespearian as Marvel gets.
The Writer (‘s); Ashley Miller (Screenplay, also Co-Wrote X-Men: First Class), Zach Stentz (Screenplay, he Co-Wrote the Screenplay for X-Men: First Class), Don Payne (Screenplay, Co-Wrote Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer), J. Michael Straczynski (Story, also Wrote the Screenplay for Ninja Assassin) and Mark Protsevich (Story, also Co-Wrote the Screenplay for I Am Legend). Wow, that’s a lot of Writers, and it shows in a good way.
Overall Rating; A. Gotta see this if you like Fantasy Story lines, not just Superheroes.
