2011 | Dir. Kenneth Branagh | 114 Minutes
"It's not a bad thing finding out that you don't have all the answers. You start asking the right questions."
Thor, an arrogant god-like prince of a distant world called Asgard, brazenly attacks his kingdom's sworn enemies in an empty display of strength and is subsequently stripped of his powers and banished to Earth by his father Odin. While Thor learns humility living as a mortal far from home, his jealous brother Loki plots to usurp the throne.
Directed by acclaimed Shakespearean actor Kenneth Branagh, Thor is somewhat standard stylistically, its visual flair stemming more from the film's stunning production design heavily inspired by the artwork of Marvel Comics legend Jack Kirby than directorial flair. Asgard is brought to the screen with a mesmerizing blend of gorgeous physical sets and dazzling CGI, contrasting with the dark and desolate wasteland of the Frost Giant home world Jotunheim. Most of the film is spent in a small nondescript New Mexico town, appropriate for the exiled hero narrative. Perhaps benefiting most from Branagh's direction are the performances of the film's key players. Although the most imaginative action sequence happens early in the film when Thor and his companions attack Jotunheim, showing off all of their unique skills, a more grounded fight occurs midway through the film featuring extensive practical stunts when Thor attempts to reclaim his hammer from SHIELD operatives, defeating agent after agent in hand-to-hand combat. The final act of the film features two back-to-back fights: first with Thor and his companions going up against a giant mechanical monster laying waste to the town, and finally the climatic confrontation between Loki and Thor in Asgard.
Chris Hemsworth is perfectly cast as the God of Thunder, haughty and boisterous undeniably charismatic. Although there isn't much romantic chemistry between Hemsworth's Thor and the plucky scientist Jane, played Natalie Portman in a fun performance, the Australian actor does a brilliant job exuding the charm and magnetism that quickly wins over Jane. The standout performance of the film belongs to Tom Hiddleston, bringing real pathos to the tortured maniacal and deeply jealous Loki.
In a role that requires no subtlety, Anthony Hopkins exudes grandeur and gravitas as King Odin. Idris Elba plays Heimdall, the stoic guardian of the Rainbow Bridge. Joshua Dallas, Ray Stevenson, and Tadanobu Asano are a lot of fun as Thor's companions the Warriors Three with the lovely Jaimie Alexander as the fierce combatant Lady Sif. Science fiction character actor Colm Feore is barely recognizable under layers of special effects and a modulated voice as King of the Frost Giants Laufey. Rene Russo appears in a minor role as Thor's mother Queen Frigga without much to do. Kat Dennings provides ample comic relief as Jane's intern Darcy while Stellan Skarsgård spouts scientific jargon as Jane's skeptical mentor Dr. Selvig. Clark Gregg reprises the role of Agent Coulson, last seen stepping into this story in Iron Man 2, joined by fellow SHIELD Agent Sitwell played by Maximiliano Hernández, reacting in amusing ways to the arrival of super-powered beings on Earth.
Thor is a worthy introduction to the fantasy-inspired elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring fun larger-than-life characters and exciting phenomenal action. The film's most glaring flaw, and what keeps it from being a truly satisfying experience in its own right, is its open-ended conclusion, clearly designed to lead into a larger narrative that's only hinted at in this film.
POST-CREDITS STINGER
Dir. Joss Whedon
Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) has recruited Dr. Selvig to study a mysterious blue cube of energy while Loki observes from beyond.
STAN LEE CAMEO
Stan the Man appears as a pick-up truck driver who attempts, and fails, to pull Thor's hammer from its landing site with a set of heavy-duty chains.
FRAGMENTS
- Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer (available on the home video release of Captain America: The First Avenger) details a brief incident at a gas station convenience store involving Agent Coulson and a duo of armed robbers that takes place between this film and Iron Man 2
- The Infinity Gauntlet, an object that will play a significant part in the future of the MCU, can be briefly seen in Odin's weapons vault
- Ray Stevenson played the Marvel Comics vigilante Frank Castle in Lexi Alexander's Punisher: War Zone
- The clothes and false identity Jane provides for Thor belonged to her ex-boyfriend Donald Blake, a reference to the human host body of Thor in the original Marvel Comics series
- Agent Sitwell, who makes his first appearance in this film, plays an integral role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier
- Jeremy Renner appears very briefly as SHIELD master archer Clint Barton during Thor's mission to retrieve his hammer from SHIELD
