Thor: Movie Review

Thor begins the Marvel comics big push towards the much anticipated Avengers movie, scheduled for next summer. Along with the upcoming Captain America, the Incredible Hulk, and the previously seen Iron Man, they make up the Marvel Universe's team of Earth's Mightiest heroes.

Of those heroes, however, Thor has to be the ugly stepchild. Thor has always been kind of off-the-wall character in my book. In many of the comic books, he comes off as...well...insane. I mean, who is going to believe this guy is a Norse god? Can you see Robert Downey, Jr. in the guise of Tony Stark accepting that?

Chris Hemsworth, a virtual unknown whose best known role may be playing Captain James T. Kirk's ill-fated father in the most recent Star Trek movie, turns in a very solid performance of the mythical Thor. After seeing him play this role, I cannot think of anyone else that would be better suited.

For those of you that don't know about Thor, here is some background. Thor, the God of Thunder, is the son of Odin, king of the Norse gods. Loki is Thor's brother and future nemesis. Thor's power emanates from his famous hammer, Mjolnir. Early in the movie, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) tells the story of the great conflict between between Asgard, home of the Norse gods, and the realm of Jotunheim, where the Frost Giants live.

Thor's arrogance is the key to this entire movie, and in many ways, this is another 'coming of age' story. His arrogance allows him to get involved in a potential new conflict with the Frost Giants, thus risking a long held truce. For that, Odin banishes him from their world...and sets him upon Earth. Thor is converted into a mortal, and thus begins his 'fish out of water' quest in New Mexico.

Thor's quest for humility and redemption, especially in the eyes of his father, is the key to the storyline. Along the way, he meets the lovely Natalie Portman, a scientist who coincidentally is studying cosmic phenomenon, and (literally) runs into Thor.

Now all of this to an outsider unfamiliar with the comic books is, frankly, somewhat esoteric, and some would say outright insane for the basis of a major Hollywood movie. However, somehow, Hollywood, specifically in the name of Director Kenneth Branagh, pulls it off.

You do not need to be a huge fan of the Thor comic series to become engrossed in this movie. Certainly, you need a solid imagination and the ability to believe in superheroes, gods, and demons.

Those who simply don't understand the superhero mantra, here is my hint: stay away. This is pure, unadulterated geekdom. Thor has always been one of the geekier of the superheroes. To believe in him, you have to believe in Norse mythology, which is extreme even for the Marvel universe. Additionally, Thor is often insane and arrogant to a fault, and not always the most lovable of characters.

However, if you do love superhero movies, I say give this a chance. The storyline is not smooth, but the plot does come around. Ultimately, the hero's confusion about being banished to Earth, and his ability to find humility in his punishment, is enjoyable enough to make this a worthwhile movie to see.