Thor

Rating: PG-13

Brought to you by OBS staff member Annabell Cadiz

With big block-buster summer movies ready to be unleashed into the world, Thor certainly blew the door wide open!

Chris Hemsworth plays Thor, the son of the god Odin who has an extremely arrogant attitude and is always lusting after battles. Choosing to defy his father, he leads his team of warriors to Jotunheim, the frozen world of the coldhearted Frost Giants, who have an uneasy truce with Asgard, Odin’s realm. Thor is not only incredibly strong and fast, but he also wheels the mighty hammer Mjolnir, which makes him a very formidable enemy. He has yet to be defeated, that is, until his impulsive attack against the Frost Giants realm severs the truce between Jotunheim and Asgard, causing Odin to banish Thor to Earth. Thor is stripped of his powers and becomes mortal. But a threat rises against Odin and his realm from within his own kinsman and in order for Thor to return back home in time to save his realm, he must first prove he is worthy of wielding Mjolnir and taking over his father’s throne.

Chris Hemsworth as Thor– ladies it is only right that you should be swooning–I am too! Aside from the few shirtless shots from Hemsworth showing off his very fit physique, which was a nice little touch for the gals out there, he portrays Thor with amusing arrogance and humor. He is tall, has gorgeous features, and doesn’t bother asking names, just gets right down to kicking butt! Hemsworth was the perfect match to bring Thor to life.

Natalie Portman plays Dr. Jane Foster, a young scientist who is in a post-doctrinal work in the field of astrophysics and who, along with her team, finds Thor just after he falls to Earth. Well, actually she pretty much hits him with her car which was very funny moment! Portman played the determined yet aloof scientist quite well. She was sweet and intelligent and was particularly amusing when she was swooning over Thor. Anthony Hopkins is as brilliant as always in this film! Tom Heddleston as Loki does a really great job.

The visual effects are really what made this movie. The world of Asgard was amazing! The colors were crisp and clean. The bridge, which leads from Asgard into any other planet in the world, was very beautiful. The entire realm is realistically created. The wardrobe for the characters was also well done.

One of the BEST characters in the film though was the Gate Keeper, played by Idris Elba. He didn’t have many parts but when he was on screen he rocked it! His presence was so commanding. You knew when he laid down the smack down on his enemies they would not be getting up again.

Surprisingly, Thor manages to have an emotional ark in the storyline. There is a great deal of action and humor, but there is also a pretty good heartbeat to the story between Thor and his family. The romance between Thor and Jane was a bit useless in the film since the romance didn’t really develop. The writer’s should have done a better job adding that to the story since Thor and Jane barely have time to really know each other before they are launched into a battle to save Thor’s world.

I had a lot of fun watching this movie. Hemsworth is very charming and witty. But Idris Elba stole the show.

A great film to start the summer off with.

Note: Make sure to stay after the credits at the end of the film. A scene will be shown that will help set up to what fans can expect to see in the upcoming movie, The Avengers.

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Running Time: 115 minutes

Rating: 8/10 stars