With his films Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing, Kenneth Branagh reminded us that William Shakespeare's plays were originally populist entertainment. Fast-forward 20 years, and the Belfast-born actor/director is trying to elevate one of Marvel's B-level heroes - far less popular than Spider-Man, Captain America and the Incredible Hulk - to the level of myth.
If Branagh doesn't quite succeed in convincing us that Marvel/Paramount Pictures' Thor - starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins - can cross the mysterious gulf between high art and kitsch, he still offers a highly entertaining summer flick with solid performances, unnecessary 3-D and the occasional kick-ass action sequence.
Kenneth Branagh Directs Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins in Thor
Flashback to 965 AD, and frost giants led by King Laufy (an unrecognizable Colm Feore) are terrorizing helpless Viking villagers. Enter the Asgardians led by one-eyed Odin (Hopkins) who proceed to kick some giant butt, forcing a truce at spearpoint.
But when a group of frost giants violates the truce, Odin's hot-tempered son Thor (Hemsworth) grabs his gang of warriors, plus his sneaky brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), and goes to teach them giants a lesson. Unfortunately, Dad's not pleased, venting his displeasure by stripping Thor of his powers and casting him down to Midgard AKA Earth. Cue some gently effective comedy as Thor learns humility amid the fight scenes.
Hemsworth delivers a star-making performance as the arrogant hero who must chow down a plateful of crow before he can save the day. As quick with a smile as he is with a snarl, he's a major reason why this movie doesn't become a cosmic joke. Portman's stuck in a thankless role as the obligatory love interest, with the committee-rendered script giving little reason why these characters would be attracted to one another.
"Why doesn't Thor get with Sif (Jaimie Alexander) instead?" asked one female audience member after the screening. "She kicks ass!" Ironically, the much lower-budget Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes offers a more compelling reason for Thor and Jane Foster's attraction.
The action sequences suffer from the annoying fast-editing-to-make-it-seem-more-exciting disease (curse your black heart, Michael Bay!), but it's not as bad as say, The Expendables. Some transitions are clanky, and there are a few dialogue howlers, but Hemsworth is charismatic enough that you can ignore the worst offenders.
Finally, can we back off with the 3-D? It's understandable that studios are applying the process du jour to every popcorn flick in the hopes that it will bring more butts in seats, but Thor delivers plenty of thrills without it.
Marvel/Paramount Pictures' Thor Not Just a Set-Up for The Avengers Movie
This flick isn't an instant classic, but it's an entertaining summer flick with a fun tale of sibling rivalry and lays the groundwork for the upcoming Avengers film. In that regard, Thor gets a 4/5.
Fun Fact: Be sure to stick around after the end credits. You'll thank me later.
Dominic von Riedemann - Dominic is the Animated Film Feature Writer, and winner of 11 Suite 101 Editors' Choice Awards.
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