Thor (2011)

Rating: 8/10 (28 August 2011)

"I need a horse!"
This is the story of the God of Thunder, Thor. It is a movie with incredible sets and special effects, fantastic costumes and makeup, good acting and good script and directing.
The movie is one incredible visual experience. The realm of Asgard is created in astonishing detail, with art, grandeur and power. The architecture is an amazing combination of detail and perspective, where all the elements combine into a stunning ensemble. The interiors are equally out of this world, they are big, large, massive yet cozy and familiar. They have a certain roundness that makes them... comfortable.
The costumes, armor, weapons and makeup are fantastic. They are beautifully built, with much care and attention. They look and they feel right (except for the shoes, maybe. I can't see anyone fighting in those heels).
The acting is very good. Chris Hemsworth is very convincing, Anthony Hopkins is absolutely brilliant, and Tom Hiddleston has the intensity and the passion required. The rest of the cast is very good, although their roles are more or less decorative.
The script is good, and it has good rhythm and pace. On the down side, however, there are some parts that could have been done better. For example, there is (almost) nothing that really shows how good "Lady Sif and the Warriors Three" are, and we kinda have to take their word for it. Also the part of the movie that takes place on Earth is not really that exciting. There is one scene that I really enjoyed, though: the redneck hammer pulling contest. It was hilarious.
The directing is good, and Kenneth Branagh tells the story well. The camera moves, the editing is good and the lighting and the colors are fantastic. There could have been a little more detail added into it here and there, to really complete the experience, but it was very good as it was. One drawback was that they really skimped on the fight scenes, having them take place under the cover of darkness. Not much to see there.
Thor. A very good fantasy movie, that offers an entertaining visual experience. 8/10.