“Thor” continues the series of Marvel Studio films based on their own comic book characters, following the two “Iron Man” movies and “The Incredible Hulk”. This one is also set in the present day – sort of.
Chris Hemsworth stars as the title character, who’s in line to become King of the mythical land of Asgard. But, instead, he proves to his father, the current King (played by Sir Anthony Hopkins), that he’s not worthy by leading an attack on the neighboring Frost Giants against his father’s wishes. So Thor is banished from the planet and sent to Earth. He crash-lands in New Mexico.
There he meets a group of scientists, including Jane (Natalie Portman), who are studying strange atmospheric phenomenon. And they soon discover that there’s nothing stranger than having a possible Norse god from another world in their midst. U.S. government officials also want to know what’s going on with Thor and that hammer that’s stuck in the ground that no one, not even Thor himself, can get loose.
The story bounces back and forth from New Mexico and Asgard, with subplots for both locations. Thor’s younger brother, Loki, may or may not be a bad guy, and Jane and Thor seem to be starting to fall for each other. There are a few twist in the script. The scenes on Earth are much more effective than the one’s on Asgard, which are way too serious and at times go on and on. I had a few “Clash of the Titans” flashbacks – and that’s not a good thing.
The performances are solid. I like Hemsworth. This could be a star-making role for him, though his character clearly doesn’t have the wit or charm of Robert Downey, Jr’s Tony Stark in the “Iron Man” films. In fact, “Thor” as a whole could have used a little more humor. Director Kenneth Branagh takes things much too seriously.
The action scenes are loud and long. There are a few exciting moments but nothing new on the special effects front, which is disappointing. There’s really nothing in the entire 2:20 that blows you away.
“Thor” is rated PG-13 for the intense action-violence. But it’s typical comic book violence so the movie is appropriate for the 10 and up crowd. All the mythology stuff will bore the younger kids but the strange creatures and the battles will keep their interest. If you’re a fan of the comics and the Marvel movie franchise this is a must, especially with “Captain America: The First Avenger” coming-out later this summer, leading-up to “The Avengers” next year, when all of these characters will unite in the ultimate summer blockbuster.
And if you’re a die-hard, keep an eye out for a debut, cameo appearance by another Marvel superhero.
On “The Official Kid Critic Report Card“, “Thor” gets a C. It’s pretty average and didn’t get the 2011 summer movie season off to a great start when it hit theaters back in May.