Thor is a visually stunning comic book adaptation

Rating: 8/10 (4 September 2011)

I did not expect this to be a classic. Or at least not in the way Superman became a classic more than 30 years ago. I believe it was entertaining enough, thus, to call Thor an "ersatz" (a replacement product) by some of the finest movie reviewers out there is simply nonsense.
The film entertains from start to finish; the main character - Thor - is cast out after an "incident" which enrages his father, the so-called Allfather (present ruler / king of the magical world called Asgard). Thor has to make do with the Earth "realm" while his friends try to reach out to him; in the meantime, Thor's sinister brother is plotting in order to become the next king.
It was strange to see Natalie Portman in a supporting role in a "popcorn" flick - same goes for Skellan Skarsgard, but they both are perfect fits. The muscled guy who plays Thor is fine and Anthony Hopkins is as good as ever. Loki - Thor's brother and arch nemesis, too - is not the usual type you would pick for a bad guy - does not really come out in the open till the very end, until then it's all about mischief and cunning.
Of all the comic book adaptations this year Thor has been the best - it was exactly what I expected to see and again the post-credits scene hinted a bit of a story of the upcoming "The Avengers". Thor - I beg your pardon, dear journalist - is far from being an ersatz: it is - at times - dull, and focuses only on the action, but it is an enjoyable ride until the next classic comes out.
It deserves a solid 8 out of 10.