Everyone knew that Thor would be Marvel Studios' toughest sell because of the fantasy aspects that may put off the average movie goer. While that may be the case I do think that this movie will please fans of the comic. Chris Hemsworth is perfect as Thor and he completely owns the role. He is funny, dramatic and arrogant (in a good way) when the story calls for it. I can't see anyone else playing this role and it will be fun to see him play Thor again in The Avengers.
Natalie Portman stars as Jane Foster who is Thor's love interest. She is cute and a little quirky and she does a fine job. Anthony Hopkins plays Thor's dad, Odin, who is also king of Asgard. He is cast perfectly as he says each line with a thunderous roar. Tom Hiddleston plays Loki who is Thor's brother and also the movies main villain. Hiddlestion does fine with what he is given but I found the character a weak villain as he was not very menacing and looked ridiculous with his horn topped crown. Kat Dennings plays Natalie Portman's co-worker and is in the movie strictly for comic relief which actually worked very well. Clark Gregg reprises his role from the Iron Man movies as agent Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D. This is for the sole purpose to weave all of the story lines together for the upcoming Avengers movie. Jeremy Renner also makes a pretty cool cameo as Hawkeye which he will also reprise in The Avengers. Overall the cast is very good and brings some real emotion to their characters.
The film's main problem is the fantasy aspects. They will most likely be off putting to mainstream audiences and at times it was a little off putting to me too. From the silly costumes to the even sillier Frost Giants which are the race of creatures that are the enemies of the Asgardians. They are basically giant blue creatures that freeze people. While these parts are silly, all of the scenes that take place on Asgard look great and the production design is top notch. I also think that the 3D does nothing to add to the experience and you are better off seeing the movie in 2D.
Another problem I had with the movie were some of the weak action scenes. The beginning battle scene that takes place on the home planet of the Frost Giants is one of these scenes. While it had an epic feel it was hard to see what was going on and the editing was a little too choppy. The climax of the movie was a little too anti-climactic and they could have raised the stakes a little more. But it took place on a rainbow bridge in outer space so at least it looked cool. Though the scenes with the destroyer on Earth were pretty good.
While Thor is no Iron Man, it is still a fun fantasy action filled superhero movie and it will please fans of the comic. It's just that the fantasy aspects and Kenneth Branagh's inexperience with action is what ultimately hurts the movie. Chris Hemsworth is a revelation and should definitely become a star after this movie. Thor is lighthearted fun and is another step closer to the superhero team up movie, The Avengers, which has comic book fans drooling in excitement (including me).
B