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This film could so easily have been bad. I mean really, really bad! With it's large sets, garish costumes and Shakespearean dialogue it could have been a camp mess, enjoyable only as a guilty pleasure. And yet somehow not only does it not come across as cheesy or but it's actually a wonderfully enjoyable film. While many have failed of late (Prince of Persia, Transformers, Indy 4 etc) I'd put this up there with Iron Man, Star Trek and the first Pirates of the Caribbean film as a summer blockbuster that just perfectly captures the fun that you expect from this type of film.
The reason for this really does seem to be a group effort. The script and Kenneth Brannagh's direction get the tone just right, not tongue in cheek but at the same time not trying to take itself terribly seriously (a problem with the Pirates... sequels). While the performances throughout all fill their purpose whether it be as a heroic Asgardian warrior or as comic relief. It is just as successful in it's attempts as a fantasy epic as it is just as a fun popcorn film.
There really is a split between the two worlds. The action set on Asgard has a majestic, epic feel with moments that bring Lord of the Rings to mind. The character elements are very Shakespearean which does make the initially surprising choice of Branagh a bit of inspiration. The dialogue and story of two brothers battling for the trust of their father so they may ascend to the throne upon his death could have been taken from many a Shakespeare play.
When we get onto Earth it becomes more of a standard action adventure with comedy coming from a classic fish out of water story. Thor's actions and words bring great bemusement and indeed amusement to all those around him
Performance wise Chris Hemsworth really looks like a star here. Trying to find someone imposing enough to convincingly play the god of thunder, but who can also handle the comedic, dramatic and romantic moments must have been a tough task and they certainly came up trumps with the big Aussie. I'm already looking forward to see how he and Robert Downey Jnr. interact next summer.
Natalie Portman doesn't have to greatly stretch herself but is certainly adorable and sweet enough to convince that a God would fall almost instantly for her. Anthony Hopkins brings strength and gravitas as Odin while Tom Hiddleston as Loki is wonderfully conniving as a villain that is pleasantly layered compared to some of the recent Marvel villains.
And smartly they have cut down on the set-ups for the Avengers movie (bar one wonderfully forced and unneeded Hawkeye cameo) so those who felt Iron Man 2 came across more like an extended Avengers trailer should be happier.
This really is a huge success for Marvel. It is by far the most unique and ambitious superhero film yet when you take into account the elements of fantasy and mythology. And the fact that it's about a God! Not a human who happens to get bit by a spider or someone rich enough to build arm themselves with a suit or gadgets. As well as raising my hopes for The Avengers it also makes me very interested to see what happens with both Captain America and X-Men: First Class, two other superhero films with a difference, this time a period setting
Conclusion – A gloriously entertaining film that works against the odds to emerge as one of the best superhero films so far committed to the screen. A great start to the summer season.
Thor (2011)
First viewing
First viewing
This film could so easily have been bad. I mean really, really bad! With it's large sets, garish costumes and Shakespearean dialogue it could have been a camp mess, enjoyable only as a guilty pleasure. And yet somehow not only does it not come across as cheesy or but it's actually a wonderfully enjoyable film. While many have failed of late (Prince of Persia, Transformers, Indy 4 etc) I'd put this up there with Iron Man, Star Trek and the first Pirates of the Caribbean film as a summer blockbuster that just perfectly captures the fun that you expect from this type of film.
The reason for this really does seem to be a group effort. The script and Kenneth Brannagh's direction get the tone just right, not tongue in cheek but at the same time not trying to take itself terribly seriously (a problem with the Pirates... sequels). While the performances throughout all fill their purpose whether it be as a heroic Asgardian warrior or as comic relief. It is just as successful in it's attempts as a fantasy epic as it is just as a fun popcorn film.
There really is a split between the two worlds. The action set on Asgard has a majestic, epic feel with moments that bring Lord of the Rings to mind. The character elements are very Shakespearean which does make the initially surprising choice of Branagh a bit of inspiration. The dialogue and story of two brothers battling for the trust of their father so they may ascend to the throne upon his death could have been taken from many a Shakespeare play.
When we get onto Earth it becomes more of a standard action adventure with comedy coming from a classic fish out of water story. Thor's actions and words bring great bemusement and indeed amusement to all those around him
Performance wise Chris Hemsworth really looks like a star here. Trying to find someone imposing enough to convincingly play the god of thunder, but who can also handle the comedic, dramatic and romantic moments must have been a tough task and they certainly came up trumps with the big Aussie. I'm already looking forward to see how he and Robert Downey Jnr. interact next summer.
Natalie Portman doesn't have to greatly stretch herself but is certainly adorable and sweet enough to convince that a God would fall almost instantly for her. Anthony Hopkins brings strength and gravitas as Odin while Tom Hiddleston as Loki is wonderfully conniving as a villain that is pleasantly layered compared to some of the recent Marvel villains.
And smartly they have cut down on the set-ups for the Avengers movie (bar one wonderfully forced and unneeded Hawkeye cameo) so those who felt Iron Man 2 came across more like an extended Avengers trailer should be happier.
This really is a huge success for Marvel. It is by far the most unique and ambitious superhero film yet when you take into account the elements of fantasy and mythology. And the fact that it's about a God! Not a human who happens to get bit by a spider or someone rich enough to build arm themselves with a suit or gadgets. As well as raising my hopes for The Avengers it also makes me very interested to see what happens with both Captain America and X-Men: First Class, two other superhero films with a difference, this time a period setting
Conclusion – A gloriously entertaining film that works against the odds to emerge as one of the best superhero films so far committed to the screen. A great start to the summer season.
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