First of all, I'm a relatively new member and this is my first article, so no harsh criticism, okay? Anyway, I (like many members here on this site) am looking very much forward to all of this summer's CBMs, especially Thor. I came to the realization that "Thor" and the classic Superman film from the 70's have a few things in common that could very well mean that "Thor" will be the "Superman: The Movie" of this generation. So let's get things started:
1) They both have a relatively unknown actor in the lead
As many of us know, Christopher Reeve was an unknown when he was cast as Superman back in the 70's. His great performance as Superman jumpstarted his career and made him a household name. Superman is what people think of when they hear the name Christopher Reeve. A little bit of this applies to Thor. As of right now, Chris Hemsworth is a relative unknown and this movie may very well launch his career and make him an A-lister. From the trailers and footage of the movie we've seen so far, he seems to do a great job as Thor, just as Reeve did when he played Superman. Who knows, maybe this will be the role that everyone will know him for.
2) Both films are about two of the most powerful heroes from their respective universes
As most of us will agree, Superman is the most, if not the, powerful hero in the DC universe. Thor is also one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel universe, but not the most powerful (I think that would have to go to Silver Surfer).
3) Both films are about a hero from another world
Plain and simple, Superman is from Krypton and Thor is from Asgard. The two films are about the hero leaving where he is from and becoming a defender of the Earth.
4) Oscar-calibur actors portray the hero's father
Marlon Brando played Jor-El, Superman's father, and Anthony Hopkins is going to portray Odin, Thor's father. Both are very fine and Oscar-worthy actors and play the father of the hero the film is about
5) The two films feature the most common villain for that hero
Lex Luthor was the bad guy in "Superman: The Movie" and Loki is the villain in "Thor". These are the most prominent and well-known enemies of the two heroes, so this is also something they have in common
6) "Superman: The Movie" was a great CBM, and hopefully "Thor" is the same
This one is pretty self-explanatory, and more of wishful-thinking. So far, "Thor" looks like it is going to be a great CBM. If this turns out to be the case (which I hope it does), this would be another common aspect of the two films.
Anyway, these similarities may point out that "Thor" may very well become "Superman: The Movie" of this generation. There may be some more, but these are the ones I can think of right now. Maybe I'm just over-analyzing things, but I just thought I would share what I think for my first article. Thanks for reading fellow CBMers, and I wish "Thor" and all other CBMs coming out this year the best of luck!