Review - Thor

Thor Hammers His Way


Thor (Chris Hemsworth) has always been a bit aggressive. He acts first and then worries about the consequences of his actions. As he is about ready to assume the throne from his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) he does something so rash that Odin has no choice but to cast him down to Earth to teach him a lesson.


On Earth Thor meets Jane Foster (Natalie Porman). Jane is a scientist that has been study anomalies in the atmosphere and is sure something is about to happen right before her eyes. Just then, out of nowhere, Thor arrives and an instant connection is born.


But while Thor is on Earth trying to find his way home, trouble is brewing. His brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is making his own attempts to take over the kingdom. As father lays clinging to life it is Loki making plans to ensure that he, and not Thor, will be the next King.


With the US Government hot on the heels of Jane’s research and Thor struggling to realize his purpose, devastation is sweeping his home and everything is crumbling. Who will survive? And what relationships will be forged?


Now this, is the type of summer kick off films that works for me. Usually when it comes to summer selections we get great action but nothing else. Thor combines great action sequences with a plot and lots of fun. It’s the story that drives the film


When you combine a good story with the action you’ve got something good going, add to the fact you have solid acting talent in each of the smaller roles and you get something special in the summer movie realm. From Portman as Jane to Hiddleston as Loki and Hopkins as Odin to Skarsgard as Erik, Thor is loaded with talent.


Nothing about this film disappointed me, at least in a large way. It’s the perfect way to start the summer and will be a hit with young and old alike. Thor’s Hammer smashes open the box office and the hope for good things to come.


PS – don’t run out on this one…we have at least one extra scene as we get closer to The Avengers in theaters in 2012




B+


Thor
Paramount Pictures


Director: Kenneth Branagh
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgard, Rene Russo


Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence
Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes