Movie Review - Thor

Thor proves that Norse mythology can be pretty friggin' sweet.

To be perfectly honest with you, I didn't not care one bit for Thor when I first heard about it during development.  I thought the costumes were hokey and I didn't think the whole premise was very interesting.  So I stayed away from each screenshot that surfaced and each trailer that premiered.  After awhile though, avoiding it altogether was near impossible.  I finally caught a trailer at the theater, and it blew me away.  WHAT!? The special effects kick-ass!? WHAT!? It takes place on Earth?! WHAT!? Natalie Portman is in it?!  After that trailer I was hooked.  My girlfriend actually enjoyed the movie, much more than Fast Five, where I constantly saw her roll her eyes as Vin Diesel acting.  This was different though.  These characters were much more real.  I haven't seen an origin story this good since Batman Begins and Iron Man.

Chris Hemsworth as Thor

Chris Hemsworth does a great job as Thor, bringing the cocky attitude along with the heartfelt for his new friends on Earth.  He does a good job showing the range and transition of Thor, from being a over-confident jerk to brave, caring hero.  Idris Elba should also be praised for his portrayal of Heimdall.  He just reeks of coolness.  Interesting use of words.  Moving on.  The rest of the cast is pretty well put together too, such as the great Anthony Hopkins as Odin, and Stellan Skarsgard as scientist Erik Selvig.  Natalie Portman does a good job too, initially confused on Thor's actions, but ultimately falls for him.  Kat Dennings, who is probably best known for Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist, doesn't really have anything to do in the movie besides comment on Thor acting weird and talking like he is still in Asgard.

Asgard. Thor's homeworld.  Shiny and full of metal.

Speaking of Asgard, Thor's homeworld, boy is it a sight to behold.  It is full of interesting architecture and color.  What was the coolest though was the Bifrost bridge that connects our world to Asgard.  It is pretty much a giant cannon that shoots people out of it as lightning bolts.  How sweet is that?  Plus, the effects are also top-notch, really bringing this alien world to life.  The sound effects are also pretty good, especially when people are transported via the Bifrost bridge.

In the end, Marvel Studios has another winner on it's hands.  With a star-studded cast, great effects and a good screenplay, director Kenneth Branagh  really does a good job bringing the tale to life  Not only is Thor great entertainment, he is also a welcome addition to the Avengers movie coming out.  Also, how great was it to see Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye?  I literally got goosebumps.

4.5 out of 5 Stars