Entertaining Superhero Escapism

Rating: 8/10 (10 May 2011)

Kenneth Branagh directed this badboy and some may know him for his more Shakespearian fare but this is mainstream cinema through and through. This story begins with a man falling to Earth and being found by Jane Foster(Natalie Portman) an ambitious scientist and her co-scientists Erik Selvig(Stellan Skarsgård) & Darcy Lewis(Kat Dennings). We then go back in time to find out how this event came about as we are transported to the wonderful looking world of Asgard, a realm in space where super beings live and who were once honoured as gods by us mere humans. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) dishonours his father Odin(Anthony Hopkins) by breaking the fragile peace that is held with an old enemy through his ignorance, pride and thirst for a fight. He is then banished to Earth without his powers.
The beings from Asgard live what we would describe as a more traditional ancient life with appropriate customs and the clash of these realities creates several humorous results which is part of the charm of this film. A solid cast with a script that isn't overcomplicated and provides some laughs combined with acting that could have easily been overdone and some amazingly lavish special affects notably the realm of Asgard create a movie that will keep you entertained for it's duration. What we got here is a beautiful leading man and leading lady so eye candy is provided here for all plus an entertaining and visually rich film. This is by no means unmissable fare but seriously how many movies really are?