David AllsoppReview: Thor (2011)
May 4th 2011 06:48
Directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Marvel’s vision of the Norse God of Thunder storms into cinemas in a stunning film.
Thor begins on Earth (or Midgard as the Asgardians know it) in New Mexico as Jane Foster’s (Natalie Portman) research into strange energy signals has led her and her colleagues Dr Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) and Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) into the desert. As another energy event takes place they literally run into a mysterious stranger – Thor (Chris Hemsworth). We then spend the next part of the film finding out just who Thor is, and just he arrived in the middle of the desert.
The opening sequence on Asgard is visually stunning, and it gives a true sense of just how different this other world is. Asgard is one of the Nine Realms, and it is here that Odin Allfather (Anthony Hopkins) is King. Long ago a war was fought with the Frost Giants of Jotunheim, but after many years of peace, Odin is ready to pass his rule on to his son, Thor. But just before he can be crowned, there is a stealthy attack from the Frost Giants. They attempt to gain one of their ancient weapons, and although they are stopped Thor goes against his father’s commands and the advice of his brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), and goes to Jotuheim to take the fight to the enemy, re-igniting the war between the two peoples. Odin, realising that he almost handed over the rule of Asgard to an petulant child, strips Thor of his powers and banishes him to Midgard – casting a spell on his mystical hammer Mjolnir that only a worthy person can wield it’s power.
It is here that we return to that opening scene in the New Mexico desert and follow Thor’s time as a mortal on Earth. We also see what transpires in Asgard in his absence, and the story in the two locations is intercut perfectly – never staying away from one place for too long.
Thor isn’t a superhero origin story in the traditional sense. Thor already has his powers and is comfortable in his life as a warrior and heir to the throne. He is already a celebrated hero in his homeland. This story is also the opposite of the typical origin story in that it is only once he is stripped of his powers that he learns about what it means to be a true hero.
Chris Hemsworth is a fresh face to most, and while some will know him from his impressive turn as Kirk’s father in the recent Star Trek film (or from his time on television in Home and Away if you’re a fellow Aussie), this is his star-making performance. He fits the physical elements of the character like a glove, and he gets to display quite a dramatic range in the role – self-confident warrior; fish-out-of-water god in a realm of mortals; romantic lead. He has natural charisma, great comedic timing, and the chemistry with Natalie Portman is convincing. Portman herself delivers another fine performance – but we have come to expect nothing less from this superb actress.
The whole movie is superbly cast, proving that when you get the right actors you can save a lot of time on exposition. The likes of Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Idris Elba and Stellan Skarsgard are so instantly believable in their roles – you just accept them right away. Clark Gregg is always fun as Agent Coulson from S.H.I.E.L.D., and has become the glue that binds the Marvel film universe together. Fans looking forward to the upcoming Avengers movie will have lots to enjoy, and as always with this type of film, staying until the end of the credits is a must.
Tom Hiddleston really gets to shine as Loki, having the meatiest role next to Thor. He takes the character from trusted brother to an utterly believable and complex villain who has had his sense of identity shattered. I’ve always be a firm believer that the best villains never consider themselves to be evil, and who believe their actions are ultimately justified. It’s be said before and I’ll say it again, the nature of the story and the journey of the characters emotionally is very Shakepearean, and Hiddleston really impresses – taking the mythic archetype and making it feel human and relatable. Any scene with a combination of Hopkins, Hemsworth and Hiddleston on screen just crackles with power.
And speaking of Shakespeare, Kenneth Branagh proves he was a perfect choice to steer this ship. He delivers a great tone to the performances, and all the various elements – action, comedy, romance, family conflict – are brought together with aplomb. It is a visually stunning film also, making great use of the contrasting landscapes of New Mexico, Asgard and Jotunheim, and the digital effects and integrated smoothly.
I saw the film in 3D, and even though this was converted in post-production it works nicely. If 3D is not your thing, or your eyes have issues with the glasses, I think the film would play just as well in 2D. This is one to be enjoyed on the big screen, whichever dimension you see it in.
Marvel have upped the ante again with Thor, a thoroughly enjoyable film that both works on its own and also expands the shared universe in anticipation of The Avengers.
Four hammer-wielding Bananas out of Five.
Have you seen Thor? What did you think?
Marvel’s vision of the Norse God of Thunder storms into cinemas in a stunning film.
Thor begins on Earth (or Midgard as the Asgardians know it) in New Mexico as Jane Foster’s (Natalie Portman) research into strange energy signals has led her and her colleagues Dr Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) and Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) into the desert. As another energy event takes place they literally run into a mysterious stranger – Thor (Chris Hemsworth). We then spend the next part of the film finding out just who Thor is, and just he arrived in the middle of the desert.
The opening sequence on Asgard is visually stunning, and it gives a true sense of just how different this other world is. Asgard is one of the Nine Realms, and it is here that Odin Allfather (Anthony Hopkins) is King. Long ago a war was fought with the Frost Giants of Jotunheim, but after many years of peace, Odin is ready to pass his rule on to his son, Thor. But just before he can be crowned, there is a stealthy attack from the Frost Giants. They attempt to gain one of their ancient weapons, and although they are stopped Thor goes against his father’s commands and the advice of his brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), and goes to Jotuheim to take the fight to the enemy, re-igniting the war between the two peoples. Odin, realising that he almost handed over the rule of Asgard to an petulant child, strips Thor of his powers and banishes him to Midgard – casting a spell on his mystical hammer Mjolnir that only a worthy person can wield it’s power.
Hopkins wins the beard competition.
It is here that we return to that opening scene in the New Mexico desert and follow Thor’s time as a mortal on Earth. We also see what transpires in Asgard in his absence, and the story in the two locations is intercut perfectly – never staying away from one place for too long.
Thor isn’t a superhero origin story in the traditional sense. Thor already has his powers and is comfortable in his life as a warrior and heir to the throne. He is already a celebrated hero in his homeland. This story is also the opposite of the typical origin story in that it is only once he is stripped of his powers that he learns about what it means to be a true hero.
Chris Hemsworth is a fresh face to most, and while some will know him from his impressive turn as Kirk’s father in the recent Star Trek film (or from his time on television in Home and Away if you’re a fellow Aussie), this is his star-making performance. He fits the physical elements of the character like a glove, and he gets to display quite a dramatic range in the role – self-confident warrior; fish-out-of-water god in a realm of mortals; romantic lead. He has natural charisma, great comedic timing, and the chemistry with Natalie Portman is convincing. Portman herself delivers another fine performance – but we have come to expect nothing less from this superb actress.
Apparently female hands are a delicacy back home on Asgard.
The whole movie is superbly cast, proving that when you get the right actors you can save a lot of time on exposition. The likes of Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Idris Elba and Stellan Skarsgard are so instantly believable in their roles – you just accept them right away. Clark Gregg is always fun as Agent Coulson from S.H.I.E.L.D., and has become the glue that binds the Marvel film universe together. Fans looking forward to the upcoming Avengers movie will have lots to enjoy, and as always with this type of film, staying until the end of the credits is a must.
Tom Hiddleston really gets to shine as Loki, having the meatiest role next to Thor. He takes the character from trusted brother to an utterly believable and complex villain who has had his sense of identity shattered. I’ve always be a firm believer that the best villains never consider themselves to be evil, and who believe their actions are ultimately justified. It’s be said before and I’ll say it again, the nature of the story and the journey of the characters emotionally is very Shakepearean, and Hiddleston really impresses – taking the mythic archetype and making it feel human and relatable. Any scene with a combination of Hopkins, Hemsworth and Hiddleston on screen just crackles with power.
Thor is faced with a hard choice - Hammer or Umbrella?
And speaking of Shakespeare, Kenneth Branagh proves he was a perfect choice to steer this ship. He delivers a great tone to the performances, and all the various elements – action, comedy, romance, family conflict – are brought together with aplomb. It is a visually stunning film also, making great use of the contrasting landscapes of New Mexico, Asgard and Jotunheim, and the digital effects and integrated smoothly.
I saw the film in 3D, and even though this was converted in post-production it works nicely. If 3D is not your thing, or your eyes have issues with the glasses, I think the film would play just as well in 2D. This is one to be enjoyed on the big screen, whichever dimension you see it in.
Marvel have upped the ante again with Thor, a thoroughly enjoyable film that both works on its own and also expands the shared universe in anticipation of The Avengers.
Four hammer-wielding Bananas out of Five.
Have you seen Thor? What did you think?
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