Thor

Thor
Viewed: 5/14/2011 & 5/21/2011

   With movie ticket prices growing higher each year, and my status as a poor college student, I rarely choose to see movies multiple times in theaters. I had heard good things about Thor, which was surprising to me as I figured it was just another summer super-hero flick. I got some friends, who were on the same nerd level as me, and we went to see it mainly to do something off campus. We actually even took some funny pictures with the giant cardboard promotional hammer in the lobby...but that hammer wound up striking us right back. The standard set by the original Spiderman and Iron Man films: a super-hero film that delivers both awesome action and a momentous story, was certainly reached by this movie, but Thor also managed to shine as its own individual legend.
   Thor tells the story of the prince of a divine realm (the title character), and his brother, Loki. Just as Thor is about to be proclaimed the new king by their father, Odin, a break-in by an ancient enemy occurs. Against his father's commands, Thor damages the agreement of peace previously established with them by launching a counter-attack, and he is banished to Earth for his tumultuous, haughty, and and impudent ways. Once there, the journey really begins as Thor forms relationships with a group of humans, and insidious plots unfold within his home, threatening the bonds between Loki, Thor, and Odin, as well as the safety of life on Earth. The plot itself may be familiar, but the presentation of it is undeniably entertaining and engaging.
   First off, the graphics are divine. I absolutely hate it when movies depend on stunning CGI to sell a film, but when a script demands incredible effects,  it's necessary to achieve amazing eye candy. This movie absolutely nails the visuals. The interstellar scenes are absolutely breathtaking; the architecture of Asgard (Thor's heavenly home) sports a spectacular look that modernizes Norse designs, creating an absolutely perfect setting for the gods' glorious dwelling; even the fight scenes are mind-blowing. The abilities of Thor's hammer, Mjollnir, are staggering in both execution and final result, taking the battle sequences to a fun and exciting level that is difficult to accomplish with today's audiences, who are used to super-powered sequences.
   Deeper than the graphics alone is the strength of the movie that comes from it's incredible consistency. Much of the film goes back and forth between Earth and far away cosmic realms, but director Kenneth Branagh weaves the visuals, acting, costumes, editing, and even dialogue together in brilliant ways that give the movie a cohesive flow that never loses the audience's attention. Branagh has been known for his work in Shakespearean films, and perhaps it is because of that refined work that he is able to make a super-hero movie that is poetic and memorable.
   Furthermore, Branagh's casting is absolutely impeccable. Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek) embodies Thor effortlessly. Physically, he seamlessly matched the traits Thor is characterized by, but his personification also appeals to modern ideals. His delivery was endearing as well. Though I doubt he'll be up for any acting awards, he played the ferocity, confusion, defiance, and development of Thor marvelously. He also does very well with the comedic scenes as Thor adjusts to life on Earth. The film didn't need a best actor, it needed the right one, and I don't think anyone could have pulled it off as well as he did. Tom Hiddleston is possibly the most outstanding performance in the movie, however. He plays the mischievous Loki, whose stoic appearance is electrified by his expressive eyes and frightening outbursts. A collected behavior at the beginning of the film cloaks Loki in an aura of mystery and power. But in the moments where Loki reveals secrets (or discovers them) his composure is over taken by the madness within and whether by bewitchingly subtle means or by straightforward eruptions, Hiddleston (who also has a Shakespearean background, and has worked with Branagh before) embraces Loki's despair so well that the audience has trouble discerning whether or not his actions should be revered or despised, making him the perfect antagonist for the film. Anthony Hopkins' Odin, Idris Elba's Heimdall, and Kat Dennings' Darcy Lewis are other standout characters that add interesting dimensions to the film. The only acting I felt fell short was Natalie Portman's--She plays Jane Foster, the scientist who finds Thor.  Her role in Black Swan proved that she is very talented, and perhaps that caused me to expect more from her, but for some reason she just didn't connect and enchant as she has in previous roles. Instead she was flat and a bit annoying at times.Though her performance certainly doesn't contribute much, it does not diminish the quality of the others in the film, nor does it distract from the overall charm of the rest of the movie.
   Thor is a perfect summer film. It is invigorating and amusing. Background knowledge of the comics is not necessary, and there are fun tie-ins to Iron Man 2--and some connections to the upcoming Avengers movie. Many supers will be rocking the box office this summer, and the mighty God of Thunder has paved the way for them as a supreme opening act.