This movie - I like it! Another! *smashes movie to the ground*...

Rating: 9/10 (21 April 2011)

I've never read a Thor comic book, nor was I really following this movie's progression until a trailer came out. The first trailer wasn't great, but the second looked promising. I'm happy to report this film sets the bar fairly high for the rest of the comic book movies due out later in the year.
The story is interesting without being overly convoluted. It starts in an unlikely spot, where we meet Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who - along with Darcy and Erik - hits Thor (Chris Hemsworth) with her car (and more than once, as the film goes on). He's been cast out of Asgard for going against the wishes of his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), and picking fights with the Frost Giants. Meanwhile, his devious brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is plotting against him - Odin really should have seen this coming, as having two sons and telling them that only *one* can be King never ends well in these sorts of situations, does it?
Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth embodies the character of Thor exceptionally. Not only does he more than meet the physical requirements, he also displays a comedic side whilst also being able to sell the more serious/dramatic moments. He's very likable in the role. Natalie Portman's Jane Foster actually isn't as dull as one might expect (given the typical 'love interest' roles that have come before in other comic book movies). Jane has a sense of humour/lighter side than most, thankfully not being dead serious all the time. She's ably supported by Stellan Skårsgard (this is the first time I've liked him in a role) and Kat Dennings (who steals every scene she's in as Darcy). While it would have been easy for the scenes set on Earth to feel slower and more boring than those set in Asgard, it's these three human characters and their interaction with Thor that keeps their scenes entertaining/interesting. There is much humour to be found in the fish-out-of-water situation that Thor finds himself in. The relationship that develops between him and Jane isn't over-done, thankfully, and where we leave the two of them at the end of the film might not be quite where you expect.
Thor's allies back on Asgard prove interesting as well. His friends - referred to at one point as "Xena, Jackie Chan and Robin Hood" (not to mention a guy who looks like a taller version of Gimli from LOTR) aren't just one-dimensional characters. They're actually developed well and you grow to like them (I especially liked the scene where they found Thor on Earth and reunited with him) - so much so that you actually care if they're killed by a big metal energy beam-shooting Destroyer (the noisiest damn thing I've heard at the cinema in a while). Anthony Hopkins commands attention every time he's on screen as Odin. Although he spends most of the movie out of action. Loki, meanwhile, is an okay villain, but apart from the occasional shout-y mouth movements, I didn't find Tom Hiddleston to be that memorable. I think his helmet left a bigger impression than he did.
What the film excels at is the visuals. Asgard is truly a wonder to behold - there's a rainbow bridge, the city looks like a big golden pipe organ, and the way they travel to Earth is really something. Then there's the fights Thor gets into. Everything from fearsome battles with Frost Giants on Asgard, to rough and tumble fights in the mud with humans on Earth, to taking on that Destroyer, and finally his inevitable fight against Loki at the end. The film certainly has no shortage of fight scenes, each one different from the last and well-done. And when Thor uses his mighty hammer, Mjolnir (best. weapon. EVER.), it's quite a sight to behold.
Kenneth Branagh's direction is a large part of what makes this film so good (even if he tends to be a bit too fond of tilted angle shots). The costumes look great, and the movie manages to make them - as well as the Frost Giants - not be laughable in appearance. Apart from the look of the film, what also helps make it feel epic is the score. The music adds SO much and is very memorable (along with a rockin' end credits song). Speaking of the end credits, as with previous comic book movies, make sure you stay until the very end, as there's an extra scene.
For a film I hadn't given much thought to, I was very surprised to find myself thoroughly enjoying Thor. It's a comic book movie that stands out from a lot that have come before, and is a genuinely entertaining movie on all accounts. Green Lantern and Captain America have their work cut out for them, matching Thor for sheer entertainment value when they are released later this year. As you might expect, the film leaves room open for a sequel, as well as promising that Thor will return in The Avengers, and I for one can't wait to see more of ol' Blondebeard.