Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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It has the weight and humor of Ironman, some of the Dark Knight's grit, a dash of Spiderman's romance all under the direction of Kenneth Branagh. It's "Thor," and it's great.
Chris Hemsworth stars as Thor, one of the sons of Odin, whose arrogance and desire to prove himself to his father jeopardizes the realm of Asgard when he stages a raid on the Frost Giants. Sir Anthony Hopkins stars as the aging Odin who is forced to do damage control by banishing his first-born to Earth. Meanwhile there are Shakespearean-like intrigues afoot in Odin's realm that could undermine the delicate balances of power.
This is one of my favorite movies so far this year. Everything works.
Thor is unceremoniously transported to Earth via a wormhole-like bridge and is immediately hit by an RV in the New Mexican desert. Inside the RV we find three scientists studying and observing some of the very theories that have just delivered this mysterious stranger. Watching this Nordic God acclimate to his new environment, all without any superpowers is delightful.
Natalie Portman stars as scientist Jane Foster who, along with colleagues Erik and Darcy (Stellan Skarsgard and Kat Dennings), struggle to determine who - or what - Thor is.
Meanwhile back in Asgard, Odin's second son, Loki, is fomenting trouble. Those loyal to Odin and Thor search for a way to retrieve the warrior from banishment.
This is one of my favorite movies so far this year. Everything works, and that's in no small part due to the direction of Branagh. Hemsworth delivers an evolving character that charms; Portman is incapable of a mediocre performance and Hopkins is, well, he's Sir Anthony and that says it all.
The supporting cast is perfect from Skarsgard, who hits just the right note as Portman's father figure, to Clark Gregg as government agent Coulson, providing the link to Ironman and delivering one of the very best lines in the whole movie.
Oh, and don't leave early, stay through the credits. There's a little tidbit right at the end.
I'm giving "Thor" 3 1/2 stars and it's rated PG-13.
