THOR, THE MIGHT AVENGER!

Rating: Null/10 (5 April 2019)

Thor I would say is not my personal go-to superhero. I knew of him. I'd seen the character in different forms of media and comic books, but he was never the standout for me. I was young when this film was upon release and I was very little aware of the film's existence or it's placement in the MCU. The moment I found out about the connection was in the Iron Man 2 post-credits scene. If you read my review for that, you'll see that I didn't exactly watch the film until it's home release. I wasn't aware that the post-credits were a trend at the time. After watching the first Thor trailer and then researching it, I came across the scene. Now again I didn't watch this film in cinemas. I watched it with a close friend, and we were both mildly impressed. And over the years I have seen and read many mixed reviews, but I still maintain that this is one of the better produced and made films in the MCU!
POSITIVES!
Now I understand the audience reactions that come from this film. Ones that think because the character isn't kicking ass throughout the film that it's boring. I don't think that at all. There is action. Not an insane amount, but enough to show you what the character can do. But this is a great character arc. One, I thought, so great that it made Thor my favourite Avenger for a time. This is something I love about the plot and writing. This is a character driven story with a character that rises above selfishness and arrogance. The writing overall has a very Shakespeare charm about it. A story about family, and, brotherhood. Tom Hiddleston portrays the antagonist in this film, and he is brilliant. You instantly understand his motive and the actor's approach to a "villain" and so well deserving of the praise the character and actor has received throughout the MCU. But this film is packed full of amazing talent. Whether they a good or not, the actors that are involved are all talented in their acting background. I must praise rich and unblemished cinematography. This is a beautiful film to look at. The visual effects are stunning as well as is the artwork behind them. It is a great blend of having these God-like characters in this comic book world. The costume and makeup departments have very immaculate work. Brilliant sound design, particularly with Thor's Might Hammer, Mjolnir. A pungent score, that I think is improved on, but it works for this film.
MIXED!
Chris Hemsworth stars in the title role. An actor that had only gotten a starring role on soap-operas in Australia. This was the big break for the actor, and he is okay. Obviously over the course of his own and The Avengers' franchises he has really delivered an entertaining character. But in this film, he is adequate. Now the director of this film Kenneth Branagh does a fine job. Some of his camerawork was a bit off, especially with the dutch-angles. But I feel as if his main intention in this film was to deliver a grand scale epic drama rather than a comic book film.
NEGATIVES!
Natalie Portman is a fine actress. There is no doubting that. But the chemistry she has with Hemsworth feels very much like acting than natural. Portman feels miscast. Like I said before there is a lot of talent in this film, but some of that talent feels wasted. Particularly with Idris Elba. I keep forgetting that the actor is in the MCU. And the actor never really shows off his incredible range in any of the films he is showcased in. Now my biggest complaint would be, despite the filmmaking in this project, the film isn't as enjoyable as other entries in the superhero genre. The urge to rewatch this film isn't very potent. It is a great character arc and the audiences that criticize the film for not having as many action sequences do have just opinions.
CONCLUSION!
So, Thor I enjoy for its filmmaking troupes. I enjoy the character more than the performance. The antagonist, for sure, outshines the protagonist. It is a great expansion and departure for comic book films and the MCU. Delivers a brand-new character and one of the most powerful Avengers. It is a bit hit or miss for audiences and I understand that. But there is more to enjoy than dislike for me.