A poor man's Iron Man

Rating: 4/10 (1 February 2012)

For those of you that don't know, Thor is a member of the mega assemble that is The Avengers. Later this year The Avengers hits screens globally and will show several big named superheroes such as Iron Man, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk. Another one of these is Thor and that is the reason I believe this film was made, as an over long trailer for The Avengers movie. Thor's story just does not seem good enough to warrant an entire movie. The film is just hinting at the Avengers throughout and if you are not aware of The Avengers than you may struggle to really understand what is going on. To be fair nothing really happens so you may find it an easy follow.
It starts in a completely different realm. The realm that is Asgaard. A place lead by Odin (Hopkins) with two sons, Thor (Hemsworth) and Loki (Hiddleston). Throughout time Asgaard has been at war with the Frost Giants and when it is finally resolved Thor stupidly heads back to fight once again, taking his team of warriors and brother with him. This causes uproar with his Father who deems him unworthy of being the next King and of his power, so he casts him out and Thor ends up down on Earth.
He arrives on Earth as three scientist are out in the dessert looking for a scientific light. Instead what they do is hit a random man in the middle of a tornado with their van. This man is Thor. As well as Thor landing on Earth so does his power, the power of his hammer. Aided by Jane (Porter), one of the scientists, he heads to the location of the hammer, which is now surrounded by S.H.I.E.L.D agents (This is an Avengers nod). Thor breaks in but can't move the hammer, his power is no more. From there he must adapt to human life but a threat on Earth causes him to defend its honour. This comes about all too easily.
Back up on Asgaard, Odin falls ill and is on the verge of death meaning a devious Loki takes command and decides that to become King he needs to kill Thor. This means destroying parts of what Thor has now become to love, Earth.
The story is weak, I'll give you that. Don't see this if you expect twists and turns cause you won't get them. Instead you get a typical jealous family member, a typical love story and a lot of poor humour and cheesy lines. Such a step back from Iron Man which is fantastic, especially compared to this.
The film feels too short. It's nearly two hours but something about it just doesn't make it feel very long. Maybe it's because nothing ever really happens. The second act is very dull and a lot of unbelievable change seems to take place. The film is rushed and I was surprised when I saw it was nearly two hours long.
The opening war on Asgaard is far too long. If they cut it down they could have made room for considerable character development as I have to say there is none what so ever. Thor is arrogant, selfish and irresponsible but over night changes his entire outlook. So much so that he goes from fighting federal agents to drinking beer (do they do this in other realms) and then cooking breakfast the next morning with a tea towel over his shoulder. What the....? Natalie Portman's character must fall in love with every guy she meets. No development took place upon Thor and Jane's new found love but all of a sudden it just happened and this was supposed to be the catalyst into Thor's decision to defend Earth. It is so unbelievable, no development in their relationship what so ever. Also the other scientists might as well not be there as they do nothing for the plot, especially Kat Dennings who brings a few pointless lines. Loki is also not developed, he seems a wimp at the beginning but, again, overnight manages to become fearless. He already looks sleazy when we meet him, so it is obvious he will cause some sort of deception. Despite slating Loki, Hiddleston does play the part well and it isn't his fault the character just changes, he does manage to play both attitudes very well. Not a lot can be said with the rest of the acting however, which isn't great. Hemsworth is OK but Portman is poor. To go from Oscar Winner for Black Swan to this is a huge mistake. She may look good in a cheesy, slow motion shot of her running to aid her beloved Thor, but it does not mean it is a good casting choice.
In fact most of this film is poor and makes very little sense as to why they even bothered. Branagh is not the right choice of director for this kind of film but he does manage to produce some great effects. The effects in Asgaard are great but the story on Earth is much more intriguing. See this if you like Marvel or special effects. Avoid if you enjoy though provoking film.
2 / 5
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