Thor – Film Review

With the Thor franchise, they haven’t been able to capture the right tone yet. This entry is focused on a more “Lord of the Rings” style film which is grand in scope including Kings and royalty. To me this entry so far is the best. The chemistry between Hemsworth and Portman is strong. It’s just a fun rewatchable entry in the early days of Phase 1. Outside of the “Iron Man” franchise this is the first film that doesn’t involve Tony Stark. Having Coulson in this flick helps slowly establish the greater MCU at large.

The comedy that Kat Dennings brings to this is great. Her playing off of Chris Hemsworth in the diner scene is just perfect — Facebook mention and all. I enjoyed having this non comic book character being added into the mythology. Erik Selvig as a character was a nice balance with Jane for not only rationalizing the elements of the Thor lore but also making it believable to the audience that “Magic is just science you don’t understand.” The simplicity in the storytelling helps make it not too complicated when adding gods and other worlds to a world where a billionaire superhero also exist.

Thor Odinson… you have betrayed the express command of your king. Through your arrogance and stupidity, you’ve opened these peaceful realms and innocent lives to the horror and desolation of war! You are unworthy of these realms, you’re unworthy of your title, you’re unworthy… of the loved ones you have betrayed! I now take from you your power! In the name of my father and his father before, I, Odin Allfather, cast you out!

The approach to take Thor out of the norm and into the reality of our world was a smart choice to get the audience to believe in the character. The MCU took some great strides to make sure everything seemed realistic and this story beat definitely helped them in that favor. Loki, Thor’s half-brother not only brings his style of comedy but also a very strong intro to one of the larger villains of the MCU. Anthony Hopkins and Renee Russo were great additions as Thor and Loki’s parents (Odin and Frigga). Sif and the Warriors Three had some sizeable role but were none the less great additions to the story.

Overall I would say the only negatives I had with the film is that at points it did feel a little campy and not as serious as it could have been. The comedy wasn’t as strong as it could have been. Kenneth Branagh does a great job directing and bringing this world to the big screen. I commend him for his efforts for all he had to accomplish.

7.5/10