The God of Thunder leads the charge!

Rating: 9/10 (25 April 2011)

With an 'Avengers' movie approaching, Thor is the latest Marvel hero to get the big screen treatment. While he lacks the profile of Spider-Man or Iron Man, 'Thor' – The God of Thunder - is easily the best superhero movie since 'The Dark Knight'. Thor has plenty of pedigree: it's directed by Kenneth Branagh (whose Shakesperean background suits Thor's Nordic mythology) and stars Sir Anthony Hopkins and Oscar-winner Natalie Portman. Aussie Chris Hemsworth is fantastic as The Mighty Thor; he certainly looks the part with his strapping frame and blond hair.
Thor is the son of Odin, King of Asgard (Hopkins) and heir to the throne. An arrogant Thor incites war against the Frost Giants, is stripped of his powers and banished to Earth, allowing his brother Loki to become next in line to the throne. On Earth, Thor befriends scientists Jane Foster (Portman), Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) and Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard). The scenes with a now mortal Thor adjust to his new environment that provides most of the humour. While the mythological elements are understandably kept to a minimum, there's still plenty of action, which – for once – is enhanced in 3D, though there are a few minor leaps in logic which don't affect the movie's enjoyment. The only complaint is there's not enough of The God of Thunder in action, but considering this is an origin movie, there is sure to be a lot more in sequel.