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655 reviews in total

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6 out of 11 people found the following review useful:
This One Delivers, 15 May 2011

Author: NZFilmGuy from New Zealand

I'll admit I hadn't seen many comic book adaptations prior to this, but Thor may very well have hooked me on the genre. Director Kenneth Branagh places greatest emphasis on maintaining a quick pace, by stringing together a series of quality action scenes. Unlike some other action films, this one avoids such a blinding speed where all other key components (character development, plot, scripting...) are left by the wayside, gasping for air. Thor is a film that focuses on character and plot, and develops these through the action scenes.

The character development in Thor is fairly light, which is to be expected from an action film, but all main characters are developed through the main and sub plots. Academy award winners Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman have smaller roles yet provide the acting substance which nicely balances the film. Also, two lesser known actors, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston, both easily hold their own as the protagonist and antagonist, respectively.

Thor was an impressive watch, the visual effects were slick, Thor's home-world of Asgard was thoroughly polished and real-looking, and the fact that it had plots occurring in completely different environments (Earth and Asgard), was just plain cool, and added to the scale. Overall, the absolute best thing about Thor is that it combines quick and intense action scenes, with both plot and character development. The team behind the screenplay deserve credit for this, because it elevates Thor easily beyond your standard actioner.

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6 out of 11 people found the following review useful:
Thor, is a loud and awesome comic-book movie, 14 May 2011

Author: Criticman12 from United States

The comic-books from Marvel, have been turning into some great film adaptations. So far, Thor, is a blast.

An arrogant warrior is banished from his homeland after disobeying his father's order's. When he land's on earth, he tries to find his hammer so he can stop his evil brother, Loki.

This film was really awesome. It has some cool special effects, nice action scene's and some good acting from Chris Hemsworth and the legendary, Anthony Hopkins.

I also like the relationship between Thor and Odin. It's more of a father and son relationship.

There's nothing else I can say about, Thor. It's an awesome comic-book film that is definitely worth watching and one of 2011's best movie's.

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6 out of 11 people found the following review useful:
An entertaining epic that updates the hero's quest, 14 May 2011

Author: robertbadal8 from United States

This movie has many strong points. It has some delightful comic moments when the Thunder God comes to Earth as a man. The fights are imaginative and exciting and the visuals of the strange other worlds are stunning.

But its greatest value lies in its telling of the story of an immature man growing into a true hero. This is a kind of male experience that dates back through history, but is a part of the best action films with a male protagonist. This is what makes the film satisfying beyond just a visual action experience.

Most of the reviews of this film have been good, but the few negative ones seemed to be from people who didn't understand the hero's quest or were too caught up in a more narrow, politically-correct mind-set to see it.

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6 out of 11 people found the following review useful:
Thunderous applause (http://themoviemaven.posterous.com), 10 May 2011

Author: moviemavens from San Diego

"Thor" strikes into theaters and starts off the summer blockbuster season.

Kenneth Branagh ("Henry V," "Hamlet") may seem to be an odd choice to direct a big-budget superhero movie. Some superhero movies translate well from comics onto the screen, but "Thor," the story of a golden-manned, hammer-hurling God could be campy or amateurish in the hands of the wrong director. Branagh has proved otherwise.

Thor (Chris Hemmsworth) is one hot-headed Norse God. The apparent heir to the throne of the realm of Asgard, he's brash and reckless. After a break-in incident by a few creatures of Frost Giants, Asgard's old nemesis, he defies the order of his father, the wise King Odin (Anthony Hopkins).

Thor pushes his way through the galactic portal, watched over by its long-time guardian (Idris Elba), and ventures out to the frozen land of Jotunheim, along with quartet of his loyal fighters (Ray Stevenson, Tadanabou Asano, Josh Dallas, Jamie Alexander). By provoking and starting a fight, he breaks a truce that could lead to a war.

Furious and disappointed in his son, King Odin strips off Thor of his supremacy and banishes him to Earth to learn a lesson about humility. In darkness through the storm of clouds, Thor lands in the desert of New Mexico, where he's accidentally hit by the vehicle occupied by Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), an astrophysicist, her quirky assistant Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), and mentor Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard).

There are developments in both worlds. In New Mexico, the S.H.I.E.L.D. government agents, led by Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), are tracking down the unusual atmospheric phenomenon and taking over Jane's research. In Asgard, King Odin falls into a slumber state and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor's iniquitous younger brother, proclaims himself as the ruler of the realm. Loki's dark backstory and motivation is revealingly more complex than a sibling jealousy and deeper than greed. He's a multi-dimensional character and not your typical villain.

But no one steals Hemmsworth's thunder here; a star is born. Any doubt about him is erased; as a newcomer, he will make a fine addition to the cast of the all-star "The Avengers" (premiering next summer).

With his Shakespearean language and old-world manner, Thor is a fish out-of-water and hilarity follows. He gradually transforms from anger and confusion to comprehension and resignation as a mere mortal. For the first time in his life, he doesn't know what he's supposed to be or do. Even with his Godlike, muscular stature, there's a childlike innocence and gentleness about him, wondering around and interacting with humans in his exile.

There's a poignancy when Thor finds his hammer, Mjolnir, stuck in a rock, and realizes he could not pick it up even with all his might. Mjolnir is a war hammer forged out of a dying star and could only be held by a worthy warrior. Now this incredible brute strength looks more like a lost little boy. He softens considerably and understands his reprimand.

When Thor faces off with the Destroyer, a giant robot sent down by Loki, and selflessly offers himself to end the destruction on Earth, it's a turning point in his character. And when his almighty power is restored in its regal glory, Thor displays it wisely. The God of Thunder is now a dignified warrior.

"Thor" is an epic blend of mythology, action, adventure and fantasy. But underneath all the flash, it has a layered story, well-developed characters and human dynamics. Beyond royal rivalry, it's a story about familial betrayal and tragedy, self-discovery and growth. Yet it's lighthearted enough as a pure enjoyment. The only flaw here, surprisingly, is Natalie Portman, fresh off her Oscar win in "Black Swan." Supposedly an accomplished scientist, somehow her portrayal as a love interest comes off as a giddy school girl.

Last but not least, what a visual marvel! Asgard is celestially fantastic, fits for Gods - glittering gold spheres, lustrous palace and crystal bridge shimmering in a spectrum of colors. It shines even more luminously, in stark contrast with the dusty, humble Earth.

"Thor" was my most anticipated superhero movie in 2011 since I attended the Comic-Con panel and previewed the extended trailer last year. As an original adaptation, "Thor" has set the bar high for "Green Lantern" and "Captain America." Like "Spider Man" and "Iron Man" before it, Marvel has another star in its universe, primed for a sequel. "Thor" deserves a thunderous applause.

***Check out other reviews, resources, trivia, giveaways, etc. at The MovieMaven (http://themoviemaven.posterous.com)

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6 out of 11 people found the following review useful:
A Truly Enjoyable Film On Every Level, 8 May 2011
Author: Mill Coleman from United States

This spectacular film works on so many levels but in large part because of the great cast and the fact that the director took this subject matter seriously. Casting an unknown like Chris Hemsworth was perfect. Veterans like Anthony Hopkins really shine in their roles. What can you say about the stunningly beautiful Natalie Portman? She's just fabulous and is actually better here than in her Oscar winning role from Black Swan. It's written well and the special effects truly are Oscar worthy. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

If you are concerned that this film may not live up to the hype, don't be. Also, don't believe the naysayers at all. I'm betting they are ALL DC/Green Lantern fans afraid their film is going to get lost in this crowded summer. Thor being exceptional gives them pause and actually something to worry about. Do yourself a huge favor and ignore them and see this wonderful film.

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6 out of 11 people found the following review useful:
Thunderously entertaining and heartwarming., 8 May 2011

Author: johnnymacbest from United States

The big bad boy of Asgard swings a mighty force of reckoning in cinema with the release of Thor, based on the Marvel comic character of the same name. With so many great performances from the Hemsworth, Portman, Hiddleston, and of course, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Thor is thundering with acting and suspense.

I can't tell you how much I like this film. There are so many parallels to religious and even familiar territory that's covered in another well-known Superhero flick such as Superman. The beginning of the film is somewhat similar to that of Superman. But whilst the Man of Steel is an alien, Thor, on the other hand, is the son of an Norse god. That's where the similarities end for Thor is set in a mystical and real world with it's own characters and dangers that Thor comes into conflict and contact with.

I can't say that I'm familiar with Norse mythology. I'm quite certain that this film takes several liberties from it's mythical background on which it's based. But that alone should not deter anyone from seeing this film and Thor is a worthy addition to an already stellar lineup of films based on Marvel's comic properties; namely that of Spider-Man, X-Men, and Iron Man on which Thor is rightly on par with.

Speaking of Norse mythology, I can't quite understand why some are in uproar of the casting of Idris Elba as Heimdall. Even though I'm not familiar with the comic, or Norse mythology, I do know that Heimdall is a Norse god who is white. In my mind, Idris Elba does a wonderful job in his portrayal of one of Thor's most trusted allies. Similarly, this dates back to Daredevil(another film based on the Marvel character) when Michael Clark Duncan was chosen to play the Kingpin, whose background was that of Anglo-European descent. I have no qualms over who portrays these characters as long as they deliver the goods, but overall, Elba did a great job and in that regard, Heimdall is a force to be reckoned with.

Natalie Portman has been quite busy this year; what with her recent outstanding performance in Black Swan, she adds another dimension of charm and love as Thor's love interest. Essentially the "Lois Lane" of Thor, she is the only human companion our fabled hero has. As hard as it was for Thor to adjust to the daily conumdrums of our world, she's there to help him alleviate some of the muck he has to wade through. I couldn't think of anyone else for the role other than Portman. She's simply great. But it is Tom Hiddleston who really steals the show as Loki, the bad boy of Asgard. Like Heath Ledger's Joker, Hiddleston will no doubt be talked about among comic fans and moviegoers alike with his sinister personality and brash arrogance towards Thor and their conflicts with each other are just....thundering.

With all this added up, Thor is simply one of the best comic-book movies of this year. They(Marvel) took another obscure superhero and turned him into a force to be reckoned with at the box-office. See it on Imax to get the full effect of this smash hit. No doubt you will leave the theater with a thunderous smile on your face.

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6 out of 11 people found the following review useful:
Non-stop fun, 30 April 2011

Author: Neil Welch from United Kingdom

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

This was big daft fun. After a short sequence where Natalie Portman and her fellow scientists drive into this chap in the middle of an unexplained whirlwind, there is a lengthy sequence in Asgard. Asgard looks great (the Rainbow Bridge is phenomenal), the Norse Gods are all played well, and the action elements are beautifully done. Then Thor is cast down to Earth, powerless, to teach him a lesson, at which point a) things start to go pear-shaped in Asgard, and b) the goings-on on Earth are somewhat less engaging than those in Asgard, although there is some very well-judged comedy. But the last half hour or more is action all the way, both on Earth and in Asgard.

I thoroughly enjoyed Thor, as did my companions (one of whom is far from a committed comics movie fan), and took pleasure in the way further elements are included to set up the Avengers movie - again, don't leave until after the credits. There are places where what you see on the screen screams "Kirby!" If I was to offer any criticisms, I would say:

1. There is a point where the pace drops somewhat about half an hour in;

2. There is quite a lot of it which reminded me of other movie (the small town battle reminded me of similar sequences in both Superman II and Supergirl);

3. Rene Russo is wasted. I imagine she features strongly in "Deleted Scenes."

Natalie Portman never really convinced me. Kat Dennings was fun but underused. Idris Elba was a great Heimdall. Anthony Hopkins added an immeasurable amount of class as Odin - a strong ruler, absolutely assured as to his authority, but calm and compassionate when appropriate.

But Chris Hemsworth is the big discovery here. His Thor is as nuanced as Chris Reeves' Superman/Clark Kent. A wonderfully enjoyable performance in a film which is non-stop entertainment.

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7 out of 13 people found the following review useful:
Much better than I was expecting, 31 May 2011

Author: deadman71 from United Kingdom

I will start by saying I was never a big fan of Thor in the Marvel universe. There was just something about the character that annoyed me.

I wasn't expecting much from the film as I have never been sold on Kenneth Branagh as a director or in fact as an actor (way to lovey dovey for my taste). However I went to see it as I am really looking forward to The Avengers movie and wanted to go in after seeing the films leading up to it.

I am glad to say not only did I enjoy Thor, I enjoyed it a lot. The film is great. It is well acted, well directed and goes along at a brisk pace. The first part of the film filling in the back story was done with a lot of pace but didn't feel rushed. The action was superb and I now have a growing respect for Kenneth Branagh.

It is not perfect but it is purely enjoyable. In fact I would say it is to date the best of the films leading to The Avengers.

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7 out of 13 people found the following review useful:
Best movie ever!, 28 May 2011

Author: screenwriterchick from United States

Thor, a movie about a superhero who faces many of the challenges of Earth, is the best movie ever, in my opinion. Thor has all of the great elements of a superhero movie: evil villains, betrayal, romance, and the occasional splash of comedy, making it definitely the best movie that I have ever had the pleasure of watching.

This movie's special effects were absolutely outstanding. The quality of the picture, as well, was certainly outstanding. The portrayals of the characters were all spot-on. Hemsworth's Thor, Portman's Jane and Hiddleston's Loki were all amazing portrayals, and I felt as if I could really connect to all of the characters on screen.

I have now seen this movie four times, and every time I manage to find something different; a different shot of a character, a different joke that I didn't hear, a different look that one character gives another. I believe that every time that I see this movie, it gets better and better.

Thor, by far, soared above my expectations. I was expecting a good movie, but not one this great. I can easily say that Thor is my favorite movie of all time, and I am so glad that this movie was so well-made, and so inspiring and fantastic.

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7 out of 13 people found the following review useful:
A Thunderously fun movie!!! Reminds us THOR-oughly of why we go to the movies!!!, 26 May 2011

Author: Scott Baldwin (Mohasamedi45@gmail.com) from Edmonton, Canada

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Honestly... just WOW. I saw this a few weeks ago and I'm still shaking from what an incredible movie it was. I tried many times to review it but I gave up each time because I was afraid words wouldn't do the film justice... and now that I've had a bit of time to digest the movie, I guess I can write a review now.

I was stoked about this movie right from the get go. I am a fan of The Avengers, and have seen pretty much every movie that has led up to the upcoming Avengers movie. OK, The Incredible Hulk was tedious and forgettable, but looking past that, I enjoyed Iron man I and II, and when I heard Thor was being made, my excitement level was turned up to 11. Not to mention Captain America is coming this summer, and I am extremely stoked for that movie.

Thor is more of an origin movie than anything else, really- we learn of Thor's past on Asgard, and how he was cast out for disrespecting Odin's Honour, and relieved of his powers with the Hammer. We then go to earth, where a group of scientists have found him, study him, and in a way, try to protect him from a rival research group, who have set up an expedition centre surrounding the hammer. Furthermore, Odin is dying, and in this respect, Thor's brother Loki has been handed the throne, thus creating a potential conflict between Earth and Asgard.

Not many people knew of Thor- Thor was a b-list hero in his day, as was Iron Man. But I feel that thanks to this movie, Thor will become the new Iron Man, and it will develop a cult following of its own someday. Kenneth Branagh takes the director's chair here, and manages to produce a very theatrical, Shakespearian production. There's even tilted camera shots in this, which gives it a cool 90s Flash vibe. Chris Hemsworth is brilliant as Thor, and has adapted his humorous and quirky mannerisms well. Anthony Hopkins is brilliant as Odin as well, and Natalie Portman hams it up- in a good way of course, Portman is an incredible actress and really knows how to carry a film.

If I had one complaint, it's the 3D. I would strongly advise against seeing it in 3D- it wasn't filmed in 3D to begin with, it was converted in post. There are a few pretty Asgard shots worthy of the 3D treatment but just a handful of shots isn't enough. It looked flat, and darkened the look of the film.

That being said, this movie is a clear reminder of why we go to the cinema. Branagh has given us a fantastic adaptation of Thor, and has gotten me excited for Captain America and The Avengers. Oh, there's a Jeremy Renner cameo as Hawkeye, and stay through the credits for a great teaser for The Avengers!!!

OVERALL: 10/10

PROS: -Great acting -One of the best scripts of 2011 -Awesome cinematography -Thrilling Action -Movie is appropriately paced, allowing equal amounts of action and character development

CONS: -See it in 2D. 98% of the film's shots are unworthy of 3D. There is no depth in the 3D and it looks terribly dull.

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