Thor (2011) PG-13

Expectations were very low for Thor just a few months ago, but as reviews started to poor in everyone seemed to have nothing but good things to say about it. I have a feeling that this film will be one of the more pleasant surprises of 2011. This film has plenty of flaws, sure, but it's ultra-entertaining and often funny. You can't help but compare it to other superhero films of recent memory. And while Thor has nothing on Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Spider-Man or Spider-Man 2, it's a completely different type of film. It never takes itself too seriously, which was a good move on director Kenneth Branagh's (Frankenstein, Hamlet) part. Everything about the story of Thor is absolutely ridiculous, so to take it too seriously would've been a huge mistake. This may be Branagh's (who is also a very good actor) best work to date, but what made this film was the performance by new-comer Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek, A Perfect Getaway). Hemsworth plays Thor of course, and dominates the role. He's serious when necessary, but he's more often charming and funny.

It's going to be quite difficult to explain the complicated plot, because of all the wacky character names and what not. I'll do my best to paint a half-decent picture for everyone. The film begins with a brief explanation of the history of Asgard (the far-away planet of which Thor resides). We learn that Thor's father, King Odin (Anthony Hopkins), is the protector of the nine Realms (one of which is Earth). Way back in 900-something A.D. he saved Earth from the Frost Giants (yeah, sounds stupid at first) and their leader Laufey (Colm Feore). Laufey is one of the better villains portrayed in recent memory. He's destined to give many kids nightmares. Stay with me now...

We leap into the present where Odin has aged a bit (I'm a little stumped on the aging process) where his son Thor will soon take over the throne. Thor's younger brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) gives him his blessing, but you tell early on he has some tricks up his sleeve. You know how brothers get. Moments before Thor is to be crowned king there is a breach of security in Asgard's palace. Frost Giants attempted steal back their Casket of Ancient Winters (which Odin took all those years ago). The casket gives the giants their power. Odin just wants to let it go without consequence, but Thor thinks otherwise.

Thor and his trusted companions Sif (Jaimie Alexander), Hogun (Tadanobu Asano), Fandral (Josh Dallas) and Volstagg (Ray Stevenson) travel to the Frost Giant's planet to wage war. They do this against Odin's will of course. Naughty, naughty Thor! In one of the better scenes of the film, the five of them battle hundreds of Frost Giants. They eventually retreat, but the truce between them is obviously now broken. Outraged by Thor's actions, Odin casts him out. He sends Thor to Earth without his powers. Jeez...thanks Dad.

Thor's body is "discovered" by three scientists in the middle of the desert. They are Jane (Natalie Portman), Erik (Stellan Skarsgard) and Darcy (Kat Dennings). Jane is the attractive, young, brilliant, up-and-coming scientist on the verge of a breakthrough. Erik is the weathered veteran who is mentoring Jane. Darcy is the quick-witted intern who would rather talk about her iPod then anything scientific. They drive Thor to the nearest hospital. Thor wakes up in a frenzy, and beats the living tar out of a dozen doctors before four security guards hold him down. Once again, Thor wakes up in a hospital bed, but this time he's strapped down.

It isn't long before Jane realizes Thor might be the key to her breakthrough; it also isn't long before Thor escapes from the hospital. They bump into each other once again and decide to join forces. Thor wants his power back and Jane wants to know why he was in the middle of the desert where a wormhole appeared. I'm not going to try and explain too much more, I don't feel like getting a headache.

For the majority of the film Thor is on Earth, and it's quite hilarious watching him adjust. Big surprise here: Thor and Jane begin to have feelings for each other, but it's all pretty innocent. Meanwhile in Asgard, Odin has a heart-attack (can gods have heart-attacks?), so the deceptive Loki takes over the throne. Uh-oh!

Yes, this film is filled with movie cliches, but it's all most certainly on purpose. This film isn't as goofy as The Green Hornet, but not as serious as The Dark Knight. I think Branagh found a good middle ground, much like Spider-Man and Iron Man did. There are two really good breakout performances by Hemsworth and Hiddleston (Midnight in Paris, Archipelago) here. Veterans Skarsgard (Exorcist: The Beginning), Stevenson (Punisher: War Zone, The Book of Eli), Hopkins (The Wolfman, The Rite), Rene Russo (Major League, Tin Cup), Idris Elba (28 Weeks Later, Obsessed) and Clark Gregg (Iron Man, Iron Man 2) are all serviceable. Portman (Black Swan, No Strings Attached) is delightful as usual, Dennings (The 40 Year Old Virgin, Defendor) has some good lines and Jeremy Renner (The Town, The Hurt Locker) also makes a small (too small) appearance.

The script is pretty loose and funny throughout, but there are also some very serious scenes which were surprisingly effective. Hemsworth is a star in the making it would appear, and Portman has become a virtual must-see. Despite all the flaws and silly lines, this film is an absolute must-see. Don't waste your time trying to dissect every scene and every line, just sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
B+