Thor
Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Kat Dennings, Tom Hiddleston
Rated: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence
When great Shakespearian director Kenneth Branagh signed on to direct Marvel's superhero film Thor, most were wondering what the Oscar nominee saw in the story that made him interested in the franchise. Mainly we wondered this because, well, we weren't seeing it. After all, it doesn't have the synopsis of a typical Oscar-potential film, following the exploits of the Norse "God of Thunder", his banishment from Asgard, and his exile and exploits on Earth. While Marvel considered this their most difficult franchise to adapt, Thor may be one of the better superhero films to come around in years. Thanks to Branagh's direction, it doesn't feel like a superhero film, but more like a mythological mashup, as if Del Torro's Pan's Labyrinth suddenly collided with Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Because of this, Thor feels very fresh, and comes across as very entertaining. It down plays the atypical fight scenes and origin story, and gives us humor and a relationships in stead. It avoids the cliche "human becoming a hero" storyline for a "hero becoming a human" one. And, while Branagh balances wonderful design, great adaptations of Mythology, and an intriguing story not built of fight scenes, the best aspect of Thor was the character, himself.
Casting unknown actor Chris Hemsworth may be Branagh's best contribution, giving us one of the most unique heroes since Downey Jr's portrayal of Tony Stark in the first Iron Man movie. Hemsworth balances his work so well, giving us the reckless and headstrong son of Odin while remaining extremely likable. He is incredibly built, but still has a weakness and vulnerable feeling throughout. His wanderings on Earth are really comedic genius, and his charisma and charm really work opposite Natalie Portman's character, who, despite not being interesting, has great chemistry with Hemsworth. The film isn't perfect, it has plenty of problems and I believe that a sequel would be a terrible choice simply because the aspects that made this film so entertaining would no longer work in the sequel. Yet, in the end, Thor is a good movie that shows us importance of self sacrifice and humanity in the face of tribulation. Who would have guessed that the story of a pagan deity would have almost a Christ-like theme and symbolism, or that a movie about the "God of Thunder" would be a fun, popcorn-munching blockbuster that packs more heart than bite. I know one person who would have guessed that; Kenneth Branagh.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Kat Dennings, Tom Hiddleston
Rated: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence
When great Shakespearian director Kenneth Branagh signed on to direct Marvel's superhero film Thor, most were wondering what the Oscar nominee saw in the story that made him interested in the franchise. Mainly we wondered this because, well, we weren't seeing it. After all, it doesn't have the synopsis of a typical Oscar-potential film, following the exploits of the Norse "God of Thunder", his banishment from Asgard, and his exile and exploits on Earth. While Marvel considered this their most difficult franchise to adapt, Thor may be one of the better superhero films to come around in years. Thanks to Branagh's direction, it doesn't feel like a superhero film, but more like a mythological mashup, as if Del Torro's Pan's Labyrinth suddenly collided with Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Because of this, Thor feels very fresh, and comes across as very entertaining. It down plays the atypical fight scenes and origin story, and gives us humor and a relationships in stead. It avoids the cliche "human becoming a hero" storyline for a "hero becoming a human" one. And, while Branagh balances wonderful design, great adaptations of Mythology, and an intriguing story not built of fight scenes, the best aspect of Thor was the character, himself.
Casting unknown actor Chris Hemsworth may be Branagh's best contribution, giving us one of the most unique heroes since Downey Jr's portrayal of Tony Stark in the first Iron Man movie. Hemsworth balances his work so well, giving us the reckless and headstrong son of Odin while remaining extremely likable. He is incredibly built, but still has a weakness and vulnerable feeling throughout. His wanderings on Earth are really comedic genius, and his charisma and charm really work opposite Natalie Portman's character, who, despite not being interesting, has great chemistry with Hemsworth. The film isn't perfect, it has plenty of problems and I believe that a sequel would be a terrible choice simply because the aspects that made this film so entertaining would no longer work in the sequel. Yet, in the end, Thor is a good movie that shows us importance of self sacrifice and humanity in the face of tribulation. Who would have guessed that the story of a pagan deity would have almost a Christ-like theme and symbolism, or that a movie about the "God of Thunder" would be a fun, popcorn-munching blockbuster that packs more heart than bite. I know one person who would have guessed that; Kenneth Branagh.
Two comments: #1 You haved tipped the scale...I'd been trying to decide whether or not I wanted to see it. Put into the context that you did helped me to decide that I do indeed want to give a try. Thanks!
ReplyDelete#2 What a well-written review--you've missed your calling. Your eloquence is only outshown by your interesting perspectives. Well done!