Cinema Review - Thor

In the lead up to next year's massively anticipated superhero mash-up The Avengers, Marvel have steam-rolled into releasing two further superhero introductions in 2011 in preparation for the big event. captain America is set to be released in the very near future and recently hitting cinemas came the God of Thunder himself, Thor.


We are taken to the realm of Asgard, a wondrous place with magnificent structures, a place ruled by Odin (Anthony Hopkins), an ageing king who is looking to pass over the throne to one of his two sons, over-confident warrior Thor or his older brother Loki. The decision looks to be clear as Thor is dominant on the battlefield along with his trusty followers until his arrogance and recklessness leads to Asgard coming under threat again from previous troublers The Frost Giants. For his actions in releasing more trouble from the enemy, Odin casts Thor out and he is sent to Earth for punishment and is banished from ever returning to his home realm. 


On his arrival to Earth, Thor crosses paths with scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and her close partners Erik Selvig and Darcy Lewis. Together they each share knowledge of each other's worlds but it soon becomes apparent that there is a secret organisation looking to keep the secrets of Thor and his world under wraps, S.H.I.E.L.D. 


After establishing that S.H.I.E.L.D are looking out for the good of mankind Thor soon faces a terrifying force that has been unleashed from the realm of Asgard by an evil force and is then challenged to save the people of Earth before all is obliterated. Ultimately this battle to save mankind will be the test for Thor to show he is worthy of being leader of a kingdom. 


Kenneth Branagh was an odd choice when a director was first confirmed to produce a feature on Thor, having experienced work in more Shakespearian projects than any action genre films. In essence, though,  what seemed like a complete mismatch to the genre has actually been a bit of a blessing. Branagh has shown he can work with the action superhero genre and Thor succeeds in providing an entertaining and ocassionaly humorous Marvel installment.  


The realm of Asgard is beautifully presented in all its colourful glory and the storyline, although simple, rolls along at a nice pace, even adding the nice effect of an Avengers tie-in half way through. Chris Hemsworth provides both a great warrior and a convincing first visitor to Earth in the form of Thor and support from Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins and a star turn from Tom Hiddleston as evil brother Loki help to achieve a good thrill ride from start to beginning.


In conclusion Thor is a very good introduction to one of the main Avengers players and without a doubt Marvel has not lost its touch in another fine movie to add to the collection, next up Captain America!


Film rating: 3 stars out of 5


The Lowdown: Another good installment into the Marvel film catalogue, and nicely sets up the Avengers. Two words of advice: Avoid 3D!