The God of Thunder (and Rock n Roll)!

Rating: 8/10 (25 December 2012)

As a reader of comic books, I am impressed with this instalment in the Marvel Universe's current run of films over most others. A while back, I said that DC's Green Lantern was possibly the best superhero film since Christopher Reeve stepped into Superman's boots over 30 years ago. Sorry folks, you're good but you're not the best.
Being a fan of Marvel's main events when it comes to comics, story arcs such as Civil War, Dark Reign and Fear Itself prove Thor to be one of the company's most bankable frontmen in comics. Not like he came across as Hulk's best friend in the Lou Ferrigno days. And now they have made him one of the most successful cross-overs in recent years with this fantastical and heavyweight slice of entertainment.
The arrogant, cocky, fearsome warrior Thor is one of two sons belonging to Asgaard's great king Odin. He is much loved and respected amongst his family, friends and his father's people. Growing up being told stories of their realm's war with the ice giants, Thor believes that his greatness as potential future king will lay in his conquest of the ice giants once again.
As Thor is about to become king, the ice giants manage to breach the security of Asgard and Thor goes against his father's advice in seeking them out and beginning a war where his father left off. Odin intervenes to keep the peace, just in time...
As a result, Thor is exiled to earth and removed of his powers, where he discovers that life is not so simple. Seeking the warhammer Mjolnir, to regain his powers, Thor finds himself up against SHIELD, the national security bureau (that will one day be responsible for the assembly of the Avengers) and must count on the help of scientists Jane Foster and Erik Selvig.
But what he has yet to learn is that while he begins to grow fond of life on earth, treachery is abound as his jealous brother Loki is appointed king in the wake of his father's unexpected sudden illness. Loki has also made a deal with the ice giants upon discovering a certain "home truth" as to his own origin.
Discovering that all is not right, Thor's friends "The Warriors Three" and lady warrior Sif commit treason in seeking Thor before Loki brings about his demise.
Thor is an enjoyable adventure featuring a great cast, a great director, plenty of laugh aloud humour and boasting great visual effects that go beyond the expected death and destruction. It is literally an adventure of cosmic proportions that could stand alone without the Avengers.
Chris Hemsworth rocks the viking look and yet enjoys making fun of himself in the role of the god. It is refreshingly well executed as well when he begins to discover that Earth is not a place to be so cocky and arrogant.
Natalie Portman was also a surprise, switching off the heavy acting and seemingly just enjoying herself in a role that required comedy and flirtation and the same goes for Stellan Skarsgaard, who has always had a reputation for playing either dangerous sociopaths, stuck up snobs or dangerously stuck up sociopaths.
The Warriors Three were a totally necessary addition and I think Ray Stevenson was so spot on with his portrayal of the jolly but gluttonous Volstag.
Tom Hiddleston was also great as Loki, despite my reservations for such a slight and straight-faced actor to play a viking god. He really can deliver the goods and his calm exterior is not to be believed for too long - what can I say about Anthony Hopkins that you don't yet know? He rocks the god king armour!
A well executed action adventure of depth, humour and compassion that takes me back to the days when fantasy/sword and sorcery/myth-based movies ruled. It even reminded me of classic Spielberg at times. I look forward to the sequel but I'm a little peeved that they haven't brought back Brannagh.