Review: THOR
Last Updated on Saturday, 14 May 2011 14:02 Written by John Saturday, 14 May 2011 13:58
Ok so I saw THOR last weekend (sorry for the delay but was sick this past week). Now before I start let me clarify a few things here. I was never really a fan of the THOR comic growing up, although I have to admit Walt Simonson’s run on the title did get me somewhat interested in reading it, but again I was never truly a fan of the comic. When J. Michael Straczynski rebooted the series a few years back, again I read it but wasn’t a fan and stopped after a few issues. But when I found out they were doing a THOR motion picture and Kenneth Branagh (Henry V) was directing I was interested. MOre after the break
The official synopsis of the film is The warrior Thor (Hemsworth) is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard by his father Odin (Hopkins) for his arrogance and sent to Earth to live among humans. Falling in love with scientist Jane Foster (Portman) teaches Thor much-needed lessons, and his new-found strength comes into play as a villain from his homeland sends dark forces toward Earth.
So now that’s out of the way, here is my review. In a word THOR rocked!!!!!
The film was magnificently done with great direction by Branagh. Chris Hemsworth was perfectly cast as Thor as was Tom Hiddleston as Loki. Kudos on the part of Branagh for casting these two relatively unknown actors in these roles, I honestly cannot picture anyone else playing them.
Also perfectly cast was Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Jamie Alexander as Sif and Idris Elba as Heimdall. If I had to say who the poorest casting choice was I would have to say Rene Russo as Frigga, Odin’s wife. Natalie Portman was good in the role of Jane Foster and I liked the fact they updated the character from being a nurse in the original comics. In the film she is an astro physicist who is studying abnormal aurora’s which in reality are bifrost (Rainbow Bridge) connections between Earth & Asgard.
I also liked the way they portrayed the Asgardians in this film. I for one didn’t have a problem with Heimdall being Black. Now I might be mistaken, but from what I understand The Asgardians are now considered dimensional aliens and the Elba as Heimdall and an Asian as one of the Warriors Three was a genius. Rounding out this perfectly cast film was Kat Dennings (who by the way is funky with a killer bod) as Jane’s assistant Darcy, Stellan Skarsgard as Jane’s colleague Professor Selvig and Gregg Clark repising his role as S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Coulson.
However the best casting that is not widely known unless you see the film is that of Jeremy Renner as Agent Barton aka HAWKEYE!!!
Yes you read that right…….HAWKEYE himself makes an appearance in the film, and he is seen with holding a bow and arrow.
Another great aspect of the film is they also showed that Loki is in fact not a true Asgardian but in reality a Frost Giant (who are the enemies of the Asgardians); as was the appearance of the Destroyer.
For those of you who stayed past the credits, in the tradition of the past Marvel films concerning THE AVENGERS you were treated to a scene ties into the upcoming Captain America film being released in July. This scene showed Nick Fury (Sam Jackson) talking to Prof. Selvig and showing him THE COSMIC CUBE!!!!
Overall I was highly impressed with this film and it was great. If I had to change one thing with the film, I would have to say they should have added The Enchantress as a character to the film. She has always been a major part of the THOR story line and would have been interesting element in the film.
My overall grade of this film is A+.
