Another solid entry by Marvel Studios

Rating: 9/10 (17 September 2011)

Let me start by first saying, I am not a comic book reader, nor am I entirely familiar with the character of Thor (inside the Marvel Universe that is) so this review will not be based on how closely it follows the comic book etc. it will be based, purely, on whether or not it was a good film.
Well, you can rest easy because not only is "Thor" a good film, it's probably one of Marvel's best (behind "Spider-Man 2" and "Iron Man"). When I went into the theatre to watch the film, I was honestly expecting to hate it after having been disappointed by "Iron Man 2" (and if you read above you can see how much I loved the first "Iron Man"), I thought to myself "how can they possibly explain the different realms, the magic, the Gods and still make a fun and entertaining film?" well Kenneth Branagh did it (I don't know how he did it, but he did it). This is, for me, the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film ("Iron Man", "The Incredible Hulk", "Iron Man 2") where I have genuinely had any feeling towards the characters. In the scene where Thor is presumed dead (although I know he couldn't possibly be, right?) the way it was shot, the lighting, the music and a fantastic performance by Natalie Portman made my eyes a little wet.
I don't want to get into too much detail on the plot, characters etc. just know that the stand out performance for me was Tom Hiddleston as the jealous brother Loki. Hemsworth was also amazing, but Hiddleston definitely stole the show. Anthony Hopkins was great as always, Natalie Portman was surprisingly good and all the supporting characters (Sif, the Warriors Three) all helped to create what, in my opinion, is one of Marvel's best films. 9.5/10 - I can't really flaw the film (some of the humour was a little distracting at times, but it's not worth an entire star).
Please Note: This review was written before the viewing of "Captain America: The First Avenger".