THOR (2011)

Directed By: Kenneth Branagh 
Written By: Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, & Don Payne 
Story By: J. Michael Strazynski & Mark Protosevich 
Based on the Comic Book By: Stan Lee, Larry Lieber & Jack Kirby 
Cinematography: Haris Zambarloukos 
Editor: Paul Pubell 

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgard, Clark Gregg, Colm Feore, Ray Stevenson, Jaime Alexander, Adriana Barraza 

The reckless Thor, son of Odin, challenges his brother Loki's claim to the throne of Asgard. To teach him humility, Odin casts the young warrior down to Earth to live amongst humans. Robbed of his powers, Thor falls in love with scientist Jane Foster. While Loki usurps the throne of Asgard for evil gain and plans revenge, Thor's love for Jane and his lessons of humility turn him into the true hero and legendary and immortal warrior-defender of the people of the Earth, saving them from destruction.

This film more or less felt like it was made or was just a reason to blow up a bunch of stuff.

One can see why Kenneth Branagh decided to make this film, with his passion for Shakespeare. He obviously loves classic layers tales and the mythology that the characters and Thor lends itself to. Leaving a more classic brand of storytelling.

He manages to gather a rather impressive cast. The production look lavish and expensive.

It’s nice to see Rene Russo back on screen but unfortunately she seems just another big name to put in the cast as she is barely in the film. She almost counts as a background cameo.

The villainous Loki (played by scene stealer Tom Huddleston) by far the most entertaining character and element in this movie. His plan seems to change halfway into the film. Making it a bit confusing to what his actual goal is.

What is smart about this film is showing the story of a great warrior. Who is basically a god but got greedy with power trying to live up to his father’s name and this trying to impress and surpass him. Which ends up with him being banished with no real powers. Learning to be humble. Learning about sacrifice and what the meaning of being a real hero is. Learning to be dependent on other qualities of self. So that by the third act he comes back more stronger in spirit and battling being awesome. (Which kind of reminds you of the same kind of elements in SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING but that comes along in most heroes stories) Throw in a love story and you have a rather simple movie with tons of special effects.

The film is entertaining but it never grabs you and brings you in that much. It feels like you are promised something that would blow your mind and it fails to ever bring it.

Yet it keeps you in the edge of your seat waiting for things to go bigger and yet it stays mid-range. At least the film gives us a heavier fantasy aspect with he world and kingdom of Asgard.

It seems all the male lead characters here have daddy issues.

Kat Dennings is in here more as the sarcastic comic Relief and audience surrogate to comment on how ridiculous and outlandish things get and become.

Though a puzzle piece in the Marvel studios first wave of superhero cinema. This film feels like an individual production. Though definitely a tent pole for a franchise that you hope gets better as it goes along.

I truly believe that if I had seen this movie on the big screen I probably would have enjoyed it more and been more influenced to have fun with it. So my advice watch it on the biggest screen you can find.

GRADE: C