Thor Review

Thor Review

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Samuel L Jackson, Stuart Townsend, Rene Russo, Tim Hiddleston, Jaimie Alexander, Colm Feore, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Synopsis: An epic adventure spanning the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard, about a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. The warrior, Thor, is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans where he learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain, Loki, of the world sends Asgard's darkest forces to invade the Earth. Releasing in 3D.

Verdict: A tale from another world comes literally colliding to Earth in the form of none other than Thor, in this action-packed film. Starring Australia's Chris Hemsworth as Thor, with Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins, this film is packed with action and awesome visual effects, with the added help of 3D glasses. The story follows Thor and his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) who are both fighting for their father's respect and approval to take over the throne. Thor is the chosen one and makes reckless decisions in haste, although he has a good heart. He begins a war with the Frost Giants and is soon after stripped of his powers, along with his Hammer and banished to Earth by his father Odin. Odin declares that the hammer can only be lifted by someone worthy enough.

Thor comes crashing down to Earth, where he meets the lovely Jane (Natalie Portman) and her two fellow storm-chasing scientists. While Thor is on Earth trying to mend his ways and learn his lesson, his brother Loki takes over their home in Asgard. Sibling rivalry is taken to a new level when Loki decides to have Thor killed. Obviously Thor gains back his right to use the hammer and goes back to Asgard to make things right.

The battle scenes were fantastic and the Frost Giants were cool looking villains with their red eyes and such, but I found that the acting wasn't great, especially for Natalie Portman, which was disappointing. Chris Hemsworth did a good job for his first major role and he definitely looked the part as the tough God of thunder.

There were a few funny moments thrown in to lighten the mood but the movie on a whole was just as you would expect. Visually, it's fantastic but is definitely lacking in originality. It's obvious throughout the movie what is going to happen. Seeing the movie in 3D made it enjoyable, even if for the visual side alone.
Rating: ***
-Sarah Masson

Thor Release Date: 28th of April, 2011