Thor (2011)

For all that can be said on Marvel studios latest superhero film, Thor, I imagine that most people will say how different it is from other superhero films. Most of the entries into the genre have focused on the humanity of their gifted hero (Christopher Nolan's Batman). Thor, on the other hand, is larger than life, with its Gods and metal giants with their relics and magic. Its more closer to a fantasy film than anything else. Thor is also one of the most enjoyable films you'll see this year.

Thor (Chris Hemsworth), would be king of another race is cast out of Asgard by his father (Anthony Hopkins) and banished to Earth. There he must discover himself and face the threat of his jealous Brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston). 

Thor accomplishes a tough task- balancing Nordic Gods with science fiction. There is a longer then expected flashback to get the audience up to speed on who's who and how Thor managed to get himself banished. The movie has an epic feel, easily influenced by Gladiator, but has the dual task of being a origin story unlike anything else we've seen before and a straightforward and entertaining action film. 

There's no doubting Marvel knows how to handle it's back catalogue of heroes as Thor is indeed a tricky one, unlike the other heroes, Iron man, Captain America and The Hulk, Thor is an actual God and with a big back story, Director Kenneth Branagh certainly had a lot to get through. Its also the type of material that has to be dealt with properly as it could go in a number of different directions, namely cheesy and camp. 

As I've said previously, the film does take a while to get going, but when it does, it's powerful stuff. After Marvel had decided on Branagh to direct (which was another left field choice after hiring Favreau to direct Iron Man). Branagh isn't known for his action packed summer blockbusters, but with the sense of Shakespearean material and the relationship between Thor, Loki and and Odin, Branagh has shown he is more then capable of handling a film with a similar feel. 

Hemsworth balances Superhero and arrogant prince really well. He really impressed me in the short appearance as Kirk's father in Star Trek (2009) and shows he can handle a meaty lead role. He is able to add layers of humour without being too tongue-n-cheek. Tom Hiddleston is also very impressive as Thor's evil brother Loki. Again, he is another character with many layers and is now known, will also be a major player in next years Avengers. It'll be very interesting to see Thor and Loki team up and Battle with the rest of The Avengers cast. Oscar winner Natalie Portman filmed her role as Jane Foster straight after Black Swan. The role is far less demanding (obviously) but she is perfectly fine here. The same can be said of Idris Elba who plays gatekeeper Heimdall, he doesn't say much, but his character is no less intimidating than the rest.

Thor is one of better Marvel comic films and has a character you'd gladly watch again and again, which is quite lucky considering he's in 2 films in the next 2 years.