LMFA0's C+ Review of Thor

LMFA0's C+ Review of Thor

I promised that when I saw the movie I would write this review and here it is

Review Opinion
By LMFA0 - May 16, 2011 10:05 AM EST
Filed Under: Thor

The weekend that Thor came out i wrote on one of the articles about how much money Thor had made that a friend of mine had seen the movie and that him and the rest of the theater booed the movie after it was over. Being fair, I was finally able to see the movie with my girlfriend over the weekend and my thoughts will be explained below. Before that i will write the conversation between my friend and I about why he booed and why he felt that he was "cheated of a coherent superhero movie"

Me: "So why did you dislike this movie?"
Aaron:"First off, I thought the beginning was very entertaining but once the movie shifted to the Earth scenes, I felt that the writers just kinda said 'F**k it! Let's just rush this thing and go home!'

Me: "What was so wrong with the movie once the movie went to Earth?"
Aaron: "Well, I just felt that the movie started to rush character development and plot as the movie went on. Like when Thor suddenly became humble after not being able to lift the hammer. I dont get it. How can someone who has been arrogant and cocky his whole life just suddenly change over this small event? I understand that this is just a movie but people who murder people and are sent to jail still dont change after years, why would he just change?"

Me: "Honestly I never thought about that in that way but i guess you could be right. What else?"
Aaron: "Once again, I know this is just a movie, but the whole love stuff between Jane and Thor was so lame. After thinking he was insane and only knowing him so a few days, they were suddenly in love? It just doesnt make sense to me."

Me: "Like you said, It is just a movie though. Could overhype be a reason why you were so disappointed?"
Aaron: "All I heard was how amazing it was from people who saw it in England and Australia online so going in I figured it was going to be an amazing movie and it was just average at the most. It left me wanting more, but in a bad way. Yes, I will still see Captain America but i figured Thor would be the best movie out of the Super Hero movies coming out this summer so my hopes are pretty low."

The phone conversation went on like that for a while but needless to say he has made some good points about why the movie wasnt as great as he thought it would be.

I will have to agree with him on everything he said but for somewhat different reasons. The movie cost $150 million or so and I just felt like for that kind of money and no big stars taking up a lot of money, the movie could have been so much better. It was very rushed and very predictable. The characters themselves were basic motifs of classic Shakespearean characters like Thor being the arrogant son, Odin being the all knowing father, and Loki being the obviously untrustworthy villain. None of the characters waned from the motifs that have been around for as long as stories have been told. You knew from the very beginning that Loki was evil and that he was going to try and do something to destroy Thor. For such a smart, devious character, he was very see though from the get go.

The biggest problem I had with the movie is that the character development and plot suffered the whole movie. With only being an hour and forty five minutes, this story was just too big to tell in such a small time frame. If Marvel was smart they would have made it at least two hours if not longer in order to fully build a strong story that didnt jump from one thing to the next with little explanation.

I liked this movie and I left the theater still pretty excited about the Avengers, but after 10 minutes or so the thrill had already left me and i realized the movie I just spent $20 on was just a shell of the movie it could have been. That left me disappointed and wanting so much more.

My girlfriend who knows nothing about comic books (nor does she care whatsoever) liked the movie too but basically felt the same way. Right after the ending when the credits were rolling she said, "Was that it? I hope they make a Thor 2." I think that sums up my feelings all to well. I hope the next time out they make a much more coherent movie that explores more of the Realm of Asgard and Thor himself. But i fear that because of the Love story set up between Thor and Jane, Thor 2 will be mainly on Earth with very little in Asgard.

I will give Thor a C+ just for being entertaining and leaving much more to be desired in the future. Let me know what you think below.


P.S. With the Bifrost being destroyed and Thor "stuck" in Asgard, how much of the Avengers do you think they will take explaining how Thor got to Earth? Will they spend 10 minutes or just skip over explaining it and just have him say he found on the "backdoors" that Loki talked about?

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Facade
Facade - 5/16/2011, 11:09 AM
Completely agree! I don't know how some bust on the Smallville finalle yet rave over Thor. Thor lacked any heart and for big budget summer blockbuster with big names attached to it, I say it paled in comparison to the low budget tv drama. I went as far as giving Thor a C-
CraptainAmerica
CraptainAmerica - 5/16/2011, 11:18 AM
So Thor isn't allowed to change his arrogant demeanour when his father and all he lives forsake him but Tony Stark is allowed days in a cave to overcome his greedy, warmongering, womanising ways?! Your friends has some double standards.

I felt the movie did well to cram in what it did without being overcomplicated. It, in no way, felt rushed and the development of the relationships as opposed to the characters was more fitting for this character.

It was the origin of the hero in Thor as opposed to the character himself which is why it sets him apart from the other Avengers.
Great review by the way!!!
Hawksblueyes
Hawksblueyes - 5/16/2011, 11:31 AM
When ever I have seen an asshole do any kind of turnaround in real life, it has always been a completely sudden "about face" just exactly like what happened to Thor in the film. It usually stems from one or two extremely bad frick ups that hits them like a shock wave. With all the bitching and moaning I've seen about this particular part of the film, I'd say it's spot on as to how "changing your ways" works in real life, when it works at all.
nimso
nimso - 5/16/2011, 11:36 AM
why do people think that anybody care's what they think or write? i think thor worked if these people could do any better they would of been directors. shut it ya boring. C+ my arse
nimso
nimso - 5/16/2011, 11:38 AM
smallville finale: did any see good old tom in supermans kit er NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SuperSpiderMan5778
SuperSpiderMan5778 - 5/16/2011, 11:41 AM
ah i was wondering when there would be an article for reviews on Thor by an anal retentive fawk so other anal retentive fawks could agree with their anal retentive comments.

THOR WAS AWESOME!!!!
cashsteele
cashsteele - 5/16/2011, 11:42 AM
In some ways i agree with character development Warriors Three, Sif, and Asgard were underutilized but its a Movie about Thor so its alright i guess but Jane and Thor i guess that part was misconstrued as going to fast i thought they simplified so not to make it too lovey dovey...
I don't think it was just cause he couldn't lift the hammer it was his experience as a whole like being banished with no power, the fact that he couldn't life the hammer that he once wielded before, combine with the fact that he couldn't return home and that his father was, and maybe seeing his friends fight willing to sacrifice themselves for the people in the town and for him... I think all that is the reason but its just my opinion...
nimso
nimso - 5/16/2011, 11:44 AM
@superspidermanman5778: AGREED THOR WAS AWESOME. Avengers will rock.
LMFA0
LMFA0 - 5/16/2011, 11:50 AM
Nimso and superspiderman@

Hey assholes this is my opinion. I don't give a crap about action or whatever, the story lacked and because of that I didn't enjoy it as much. Now stop trolling and realize this people have different thoughts and opinions than yourselves
Oxion
Oxion - 5/16/2011, 11:56 AM
Its a Marvel movie, what do you expect? As long as they can impress the audience with big flashy FX who cares about a good story? Obviously not anyone on this site.
MagnaSolaris
MagnaSolaris - 5/16/2011, 12:01 PM
I agree. good movie, Romantic stuff too rushed.
Malfunk1
Malfunk1 - 5/16/2011, 12:01 PM
Nice review & many valid points made but i think that the point of view of your review may be wrong. Keep in mind that Thor is not a new story. It's a very old story that was written since before i was born. Of course the story is typical & predictable. Of course Loki was the villian & Odin was the all knowing wise king. You had to be born yesterday or you're just not a comic book fan to not know that already. Fans of the comic book should really be judging How well the story we already know was translated to the big screen for the first time. I also agree that the movie was to short & character development felt rushed & that took away from helping me believe the story. Overall, i don't disagree with your review but i still enjoyed the movie & thought the translation from comic book to big screen wasn't bad. Pretty good but not great. A 7 out of 10.
CraptainAmerica
CraptainAmerica - 5/16/2011, 12:06 PM
Out of the many reviews posted, I feel, he is entitled to his opinion. I don't agree with it as I believe that such a harsh reality check is enough to change a man/woman. It was sudden, but the lesson was heavy.

As I say, i dont agree with the review. I gave the movie 9.5/10 and that's not being biased that's just what I think it deserved. But a review is personal opinion and this deserves just as much airtime as any other.
nimso
nimso - 5/16/2011, 12:46 PM
LMFAO @ LMFAO what a stupid answer. This is my opinion on the film and now you are saying that i cant give my opinion on your review. so silly. When you want to have a go at people think about your answer. Oh LMFAO sorry if i hit a nerve.

If any of us was to keep our opinion to ourself what is the point of any of us being here.

oh and you will never get a perfect movie.
CapFan79
CapFan79 - 5/16/2011, 1:13 PM
"Like when Thor suddenly became humble after not being able to lift the hammer. I dont get it. How can someone who has been arrogant and cocky his whole life just suddenly change over this small event? I understand that this is just a movie but people who murder people and are sent to jail still dont change after years, why would he just change?"

Um, after this moment he gets captured by SHEILD and then gets visited by Loki. Loki tells him Odin has died and he believed his actions caused his father's death. THIS made him quickly re-examine himself. It had nothing to do with the hammer, except that he understood at that moment he was now a mortal. Thor never expected to regain his powers at that point and this also humbled him.

As for Jane, she never thought he was crazy. She was clearly attracted and continued to try and help him after Dr. Selvig warned her.

Did you see it? There were some genuine scenes with heart too. Thor basically tells Dr. Selvig in the bar that he was confused about what to do now that he cannot go home and has regrets. After that he and Jane spend time on the roof and you can tell at that point that lust is becoming love and Jane believes what Thor is telling her about the 9 realms.

I would have liked a slightly longer film but I think it told it's story effectively. There was nothing left to resolve! The cosmic cube is what will get Thor back to Earth. Hence the cameo after the credits. The Avengers is Thor 2.

I think you and your girlfriend fell asleep or something.
getdaball1
getdaball1 - 5/16/2011, 1:29 PM
30 minutes more would have really helped maybe tie some things in better - but why can't someone fall in love that fast? Is love at first sight such a far fetched thing now a days? Some of the parts of this movie gave me out right chills- like when Thor walked up to the Destroyer to basically sacrifice himself - to save his friends and Jane- the music- the mood- that was awesome- also - the revelation he was given by his Brother Loki - when he lied that his Father had died out of grief because of his banishment- you could see the realization that "Hey - this was all because of my actions.... You wrote a good review- sorry that others didn't respect it enough to give a well thought out - mature response.
CraptainAmerica
CraptainAmerica - 5/16/2011, 2:42 PM
@capfan. I couldn't have said it better
YourMomNaked
YourMomNaked - 5/16/2011, 3:32 PM
Thor just wasn't that good. The story was weak and rushed. And the action was less the super hero worthy.
gorgeousgeeks
gorgeousgeeks - 5/16/2011, 3:41 PM
How can not being able to lift your own hammer, something that you should be worthy to wield, be considered a "small event"? He didn't want to be cast away and left on earth, abandoned by his family and friends. Having God like powers and getting tazed by some random human girl is probably very humbling. The look on Thor's face when he asked Loki if he could come home broke my freaking heart!

I don't understand why people don't think Thor is up to Iron Man's level, especially when Iron Man's fight was nothing. Thor fought with his hammer exactly like he should have fought. The battle with the frost giants was awesome, Jane was a totally realistic character because every girl in the world would have been giddy around Thor, Odin and Loki were perfect, it was funny, Asgard was amazing...what more do you need? I thought I would be picky about a lot of things, but once I saw how awesome this movie was, I didn't care. I loved this film.
skullboy
skullboy - 5/16/2011, 4:46 PM
Hear, hear! Thor was too overrated.
Sturmpionier
Sturmpionier - 5/16/2011, 5:34 PM
I loved Thor. I cried when he offered his life for his friends. Unlike the reviewer, everyone I went with to see it, including CBM fans and non-CBM fans including their wives, really loved it.
LordHuck
LordHuck - 5/16/2011, 7:28 PM
@ LMFAO

Here is a new word for your 5th grade vocabulary that will help you understand what Thor felt after he could not lift his hammer and after Loki’s visit


Epiphany:
An epiphany (from the ancient Greek ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia, "manifestation, striking appearance") is the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something. The term is used in either a philosophical or literal sense to signify that the claimant has "found the last piece of the puzzle and now sees the whole picture," or has new information or experience, often insignificant by itself, that illuminates a deeper or numinous foundational frame of reference.


@ Farty Pants

I am really glad you outted yourself like that with the Thor Smallville comparison. Now I know never to bother reading anything else you write.





Matador
Matador - 5/16/2011, 10:05 PM
Thought the reviewer was from someone important.
Layperson
Layperson - 5/17/2011, 12:49 AM
Everyone has excellent points about the movie. I do fully understand why people are staunchly defending the film I had fun with it, but I have to say for me it left something to be desired as well. I'm not saying it was a flop or anything, far from it, but like the reviewer I think it needed more time to flesh out characters, mash the world of Midgard and Asgard together properly, and develop things. Some things I just felt I was like--"Really? that's the way you want to do this?"

Take for examples Odin's big rescue of Thor at the end? Didn't we just spend like the last 40 minutes saying that Odin may never wake up from this Odinsleep? Oop, don't worry Dad will wake up and just appear out of no where to save the day.

And I wasn't crazy about the whole resurrection sequence at all, they missed a HUGE opportunity to work Hela into the plot with that and just blew right over it.

But my biggest gripe is that Sif and the warriors three really didn't get the screen time I had hoped for them. Without any sort of development they really just fit generic fantasy character roles. Sif in particular should have gotten significantly more time. (especially looking the way she did, I'm telling Natalie Portman is cute and all, but Jamie stole the spotlight for me, phew that chick is smokin')

That being said there was some awesome stuff in there, Hawkeye's and Stan Lee's cameos alone was worth the ticket price. (I wanted to scream "Excelsior" when I saw Stan but stupid movie manners held me back.)

Thor's hammer spinning was BAD ASS!!! I was worried we wouldn't get it, but boom there it was right outta gate.

The Destroyer was Awesome, everything about it was great.

Overall I also would give it a C plus, maybe a B, I don't think the whole transformation from arrogant brawler to contrite hero was done great either, but because that has been done to death I won't go there. I will say, however, that the reason it worked in Ironman is because it happened right out of the gate, in the first 20 minutes of the film, and because Robert Downy Jr. is, let's face it, a significantly better actor than Hemsworth--Who I thought did great, he's just simply not as experienced an actor that's all.

I think that'll do for one post.

Later guys,
Layperson
CraptainAmerica
CraptainAmerica - 5/17/2011, 1:42 AM
^ But in truth if the movie felt overcomplicated for some then expanding on The WArriors Three would have only served to overcomplicate the film further. If Thor sequels are planned then this is the right time to do it. This movie was Thor's screentime. The same goes for the inclusion of Hela.

I watched it for a fourth time last night. When I saw tithe second and third I have to admit I wasn't as blown away. But the fourth I actually felt that the story was fitting for the birth of Thor's heroic ways. It is Marvel's time to introduce he and Loki, nothing more.

He has been banished to earth. He has lost his power and been left on earth forsaken by all he loves. His beloved brother has just told him that his actions have led to his fathers death...that is enough to humble a man
Layperson
Layperson - 5/17/2011, 2:43 AM
I suppose I'm thinking about the movie as a single solitary piece, which I admit, is flawed, particularly given the current climate of sequels. I recognize you're points as valid sir. props to you.

You do have to admit though, much of what I said was valid, there were several scenes in that movie that just felt forced. Thor and Erik at the bar? The arrival of the warriors three in New Mexico? And the movie really could have benefited soooo much from another 30 minutes of Loki, Odin, Jane Foster and Thor development. I wouldn't say the movie felt overcomplicated as many do, I'd say it felt disjointed. But that said, I think that when this movie hits BlueRay and all the deleted scenes(which you know there are a ton) are cut back in, this movie will probably live up to what we (or at least I) hoped it would be.

Branagh knew exactly what he wanted that movie to be, a fun fantasy/Superhero mash up with a grand score, and a genuine good heart, that's what it was. Was it everything it could have been? No. Was it what they set out to create? Absolutely.



Heimdall was awesome too, Elba owned that role anyone who says different, I got jack johnson and tom o'leary waiting for them :) I forgot to mention that above.
nimso
nimso - 5/17/2011, 3:40 AM
its a shame that Elba was in that role because i could see him in black panther. not sure who he would play but i can see him there.
Facade
Facade - 5/17/2011, 4:33 AM
@LordHuck, tastes and opinions varry. Only simple, narrow minds discount differing views and exclussively align with like-minded opinions. I like to think my comparison to the overly harsh critisizm of Smallville finale to the overly enthusiastic adoration of Thor as fair and valid. Neither were great, but my points stand as sound: Smallville is a low budget TV show heavily slammed for its production and acting. Thor was a mega summer blockbuster with big names attached to it. The delivery of the Thor story lacked heart. Smallville's finalle, albiet flawed, was stronger (sorry if you weren't able to appreciate the 1st hour, but that was well acted, well written, well directed). The FX (based on budget) was comparible, too. That point is more of a knock to Thor. I enjoyed Thor, but it was just passable. Iron Man 2 was equally passable (bit too campy for my tastes). Hopefully you'll be willing to be more open minded to other opinions and a little slower to write a differing opinion off.
Matador
Matador - 5/17/2011, 4:55 AM
@ Fartypants - Sure Thor was flawed it was 2hrs long any longer and it would have been a LOTR long. Don't think Marvel had that kind of money yet. Not to mention as it's first movie I'm sure they will include more in the next two. But think about it this way at least it was smarter than having produced the 1962 comic from Journey into Mystery then you'ed be in an uproar. Think they did the best they could with the amount of time & money they had for the moment.

Ironman 2 yeah it was going to be campy it was a summer movie. Was I expecting allot not really just going in there for some popcorn fun. Isn't that the whole point? Sure it's not mind blowing like Chris Nolan's Inception which I liked better than Batman TDK. BTDK is a great movie I just have not found a way to rewatch it since seeing it in theatre.

As for Smallville has had enough time on its hands to straighten out for ten seasons as in story plot. They might not have had the great grandur of money but they sure as hell had time. I am & was an Smallville watcher I don't discriminate on any CBM media but come on how many times did Smallville drop the ball story wise. They tried to go big but failed on delivery, still enjoyable but not what someone was expecting.
NeoBaggins
NeoBaggins - 5/17/2011, 5:06 AM
They made a point to portray THOR as potentially dangerous and/or crazy. Jane thought it was too good to be true, but she was cautious at the same time using her instincts. BootStrap Bill showed concern a few times. It was only until they were fully comfortable and convinced that THOR was who he said he was, that Jane opened up. How much more can that be developed? Any more time spent on it, then THAT would be a problem.

You want to point out a rushed love story that makes no sense and involves Natalie Portman, watch Attack of the Clones.
coderaven
coderaven - 5/17/2011, 7:16 AM
I can agree on the romance.

But the realzation that you where not worthy to be thor when lifting the hammer was pivitol and a life changing moment. you logic fails in that regard.

Until that point thor felt he was rightfully a god, once he understood he wasn;t worthy thats a pretty big step to any form of addiction or issue. know you have the issue or the addiction.
gorgeousgeeks
gorgeousgeeks - 5/17/2011, 9:33 AM
It's silly to compare Smallville to Thor. Smallville isn't worthy to be the poo that the Asgardians fling over their walls in the comics, and I've watched the show for 10 years. I've loved it and it has severely pissed me off. You can't spend an entire season on a bad guy and then defeat him so easily. There really is no comparison. And I'm a fan of the show, but I have to admit that. It's just wrong not to.

And how Kenneth really wanted to do the movie would have cost over 300 million, so he had to work with the 150 million budget.

As far as Jane, chicks love hot guys. I saw a hot guy at a con and I was literally smiled every time someone brought up his name for the next month. It doesn't matter how independent or intelligent a woman might be, find the RIGHT guy and that woman will turn into a giddy mess. I've seen Chris Hemsworth in person. He's giddy worthy. And as for Thor, I thought gods screwing humans was like a pass time. I remember reading a Spiderman book when he had to help Loki save his bastard half breed daughter.

And Thor was over 2 hours. I loved it so much I that it could have gone longer for me, but it was practical. I was excited to see a sequel when it was over. I thought the warriors 3 was fine. Even though Thor and Sif didn't have a romance, I could sense enough that she liked him to see how that could bloom. I need to see this movie again. I loved it, I loved it, I loved it. And my dad is such a huge Thor fan and I'm glad that they made this movie and he was pleased.
acvno86
acvno86 - 5/18/2011, 1:55 AM

His inability to lift the hammer was ONE reason he changed. I think Jane's character or situation (years of hard work suddenly taken away), Loki his "lil bro" visiting to say goodbye and Odin being "dead" also made him realize he was a dickhead and made him change.

Ne0Baggins
Ne0Baggins - 5/18/2011, 8:13 PM
Your "friend" says he and the entire theater booed when the film was over. Either he's a liar or he lives in douchebag city. Here's why; it is highly unlikely that an entire theater of people would see THOR trailers, want to see the movie, pay to see the movie, then dislike it to the point of collectively booing. It's pretty far fetched. I don't believe you.
thor19b
thor19b - 5/24/2011, 12:21 PM
I thought the movie was good. I do agree it was kinda rushed during the earth sequence,and the fight with the Destroyer was way way to short. They did not portray the Destroyer as he should of been....Invincible. I was expecting some other outcome of that fight. The fight with the Destroyer was what I was looking for the most in the movie. Still I thought the movie was well portrayed.
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