an imperfect but effective origin tale

Rating: Null/10 (7 May 2011)

In the distant realm of Asgard, a group of warriors wage war against the Frost Giants of Jotunheim—a tyrannical group determined to conquer all of the Nine Realms. Meanwhile, the most powerful of Asgard's warriors—Thor—prepares to ascend to the throne of his father Odin. When Thor refuses to be diplomatic, and his arrogant nature rears its ugly head, he's stripped of his power and banished to the realm of Earth. Once there, he inadvertently befriends a group of scientists and sets out to reclaim what was once his. Norse mythology set against the backdrop of the Marvel Cinematic Universe delivers with awesome, otherworldly special effects, epic battle scenes, intense hand-to-hand combat, a compelling story, and a surprising sense of humor. Some key subplots never quite resonate the way they should, but once it gets going you probably won't mind. Relative newcomer Hemsworth is a forceful presence in the titular role, and has great help from veterans Portman and especially Hopkins. ***