Up there with Avatar in story and FX

Rating: 9/10 (6 May 2011)

I remember thinking when I was watching this movie that if someone asks me how I liked it I would tell them, "I loved every minute of it." And I did except for 3 minutes when toward the climax it became a little confusing. You'll know what I mean when you see it.
I have appreciated Kenneth Branagh's talent as an actor and director since I saw Henry V in the 80's. He has a way of telling a story that is huge and complex in a very human and personal way. And it is just like that in Thor. The images of the Heavens match the beauty that we saw in Avatar. Beautiful with deep, rich colors and scope of focus and never losing us in its sweep. The relationships that Thor has with his family are just like that with human ones. He catches Thor at the cusp of his becoming a man and ready to be knighted as king of the heavens. And like many of that age he falters and his weaknesses overcome him. But through adversity and temptation his spirit is tried and purified.
When Thor arrives at Earth, Kenneth Branagh gives us quite the humorous look at the interaction of god and beautiful woman and her colleagues. The movie has humor in abundance which is such a rarity for movies of this sort.
I gave this movie 9 out of 10 stars because in so many ways it was nearly perfect. A treat for the eyes, ears and heart. I hope you like it as much as I did.