Questionable Review: Thor

This here review was originally posted on my ComicVine.com and Screened.com profiles. Check those out, HERE and HERE, respectively.

Since the so-called "Avengers Initiative" was put into place by Marvel Studios; building up characters and franchises in anticipation of the huge crossover film directed by Joss Whedon; they've been putting out consistently solid film efforts. Many of these could even be called great. However, where Iron Man and the Incredible Hulk are somewhat grounded and based in technology and science, Thor concerns itself with deities and Shakespearean melodrama. Does this dramatic shift in tone sink Marvel's latest superhero romp?

SO WHAT'S THIS MOVIE ABOUT?

Thor follows the titular Norse god of thunder and the struggles in both his home realm of Asgard and the human world of Midgard (Earth). It seems that years ago, the Asgardians thwarted an invasion of Earth by the Frost Giants of Jotunheim. Now many years later, the leader of Asgard, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) is ready to relinquish his throne to his son, Thor (Chris Hemsworth). However, after a band of Frost Giants invade Asgard, threatening the long held truce between the two nations, Thor takes it upon himself to deliver swift justice unto Jotunheim. Odin is none too pleased with this. As punishment, he strips Thor of his godhood and his magic hammer, Mjolnir, and banishes him to Earth. There, he becomes intertwined in the affairs of the scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), and attempts desperately to regain his status. Asgard faces its own problems in Thor's absence, as traitors in the ranks threaten to tear the realm apart from within, and Thor's brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) ascends to the throne in the wake of grave misfortune. Thor must prove himself worthy and return before great evil befalls his beloved home.

SO WHAT'S GREAT ABOUT THIS MOVIE?

Director Kenneth Branagh brings Thor's world to the big screen beautifully. As I stated earlier, what could have been Thor's biggest crutch was its tonal difference between the previous Marvel films (IE, Thor being decidedly sillier in source material). However, Branagh pulls off the look and feel of Asgard with aplomb, grounding it enough to fit in with the established Marvel Universe while keeping the connections to Norse lore and mythology that make it so intriguing in the first place. Hemsworth, in his first major role, is astounding as Thor. He exudes an incredible charisma, and more than has the physicality and intensity to portray the god of thunder. His Asgardian cast, particularly Hopkins,Hiddleston and Idris Elba as Heimdall, are almost equally strong. Even Portman, who only occasionally is able to anchor the Earth scenes, succeeds because of her natural chemistry with Hemsworth. Lastly, the action scenes in Thor are good fun. The punchy choreography and grandiose battles are a joy to watch, and the first time Thor channels lightening through Mjolnir, cratering a huge chunk of Jotunheim, I got genuine goosebumps.

SO WHAT SUCKS ABOUT THIS MOVIE?

As great as the action and drama surrounding Thor's home of Asgard is, the Earth scenes are only serviceable. They aren't terrible or unwatchable by any means, but when the script lapses into the casual and Thor's adventures devolve into wacky slapstick, it feels a tad uneven. This isn't helped by the fact that Kat Dennings' character, in particular, does her darnedest to derail every single scene. I get that she's supposed to be the "ice breaker"; the one to cut the tension when Portman and Stellan Skarsgard's character are talking about science and what not; but she comes off as too annoying. Also, although the history and lineage of Asgard is summed up admirably, I feel it may be a bit much for people to take in one shot. I'm somewhat familiar with Thor's mythos and found myself fumbling a bit at the start, trying to get a bearing for Asgard and its people.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Thor used to have a terrible cartoon show. This... this isn't it...

SO WHAT'S THE FINAL VERDICT?

Thor is another great offering from Marvel. While some may stumble over the more outlandish premise, and indeed the movie itself stumbles in places, it is another worthwhile addition to the pantheon of superhero films. It is grandiose and fun in a way that many films are not, let alone films of this genre. It isn't high cinema (at least the Earth scenes aren't), but if you've got one bone of affection for superheroes, mythology, or muscular blonde men, your money would be well spent by seeing Thor.