THOR Holds His Mighty Hammer Strong

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2011)

I will admit after seeing all the trailer and TV spots for Kenneth Branagh's THOR, I found myself a little disappointed as what to expect in theaters. After seeing this film on the weekend, I can't help but praise it, as it was a entertaining, action packed, mystical and even had some great comedic humor to compliment it. Branagh's takes on a mystical adventure with THOR and really seems to find the perfect balance between that mystical world and earth, while also lending to plenty of witty humor for the audience.
This really isn't like all the other MARVEL films you have seen in the past and really separates itself because of it's originality of the story and the tremendous acting that accompanies it. Casting was done extremely well and the mix of British, Australian and American actors all blended in perfectly with their characters. Anthony Hopkins was picture perfect as Odin, King Of Asgard, Chris Hemsworth shows his charisma and powerful personality portraying THOR perfectly, and Natalie Portman does a great job as the beautiful love interest in Jane Foster in the film. Tom Hiddelston was also fantastic as the evil Loki, and all the other supporting cast members including Stellan Skarsgard and Idris Elba played their roles up to par.
Kenneth Branagh really impressed me with his directing in this film. Firstly for a guy not known to do big blockbuster films he definitely hit it out of the park on his first swing. The pace was perfect and everything was very visible to see even trough intense and shaky battle scenes. His direction of the film allowed for an entertaining, hilarious and captivating film for the audience. He also did an amazing job of tying in the realms of Asgard and Earth together, making an almost perfect balance of romance, action and intruge on both planets.
Thor get's an A- in my books simply because my expectations were exceeded above and beyond what I though I was walking into. With it's solid screenplay, acting, visual affects, humor and a tremendous action punch to go with it, THOR is everything you look for in an entertaining super hero filled movie. If you haven't go to a theater near you to check it out then I suggest you do soon, as this movie should entertain and suffice most looking for a journey of adventure, mysticism and creativity. I would also recommend you stay in your seat until the credits roll on through, as a small clip at the very end of them divulges some key infomation to the next installment, The Avengers.