Against his father Odin's will, The Mighty Thor - a powerful but arrogant warrior god - recklessly reignites an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.
- Released: 2011-04-21
- Runtime: 115 minutes
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgård, Kat Dennings, Clark Gregg, Colm Feore, Idris Elba, Ray Stevenson, Tadanobu Asano, Josh Dallas, Jaimie Alexander, Rene Russo, Adriana Barraza, Maximiliano Hernández, Richard Cetrone, Darren Kendrick, Joshua Cox, Justice Jesse Smith, Joseph Gatt, Luke Massy, Matthew Ducey, Jason Camp, Buddy Sosthand, Blake Silver, Jamie McShane, Dale Godboldo, Patrick O'Brien Demsey, Jim Palmer, Seth Coltan, J. Michael Straczynski, Ryan Schaefer, Matt Battaglia, Stan Lee, Joel McCrary, Isaac Kappy, Juliet Lopez, Rob Mars, Carrie Lazar, Harley Graham, Alexander Wright, Hilary Pingle, Shawn-Caulin Young, Walt Simonson, Kinsey McLean, Kelly Hawthorne, Dakota Goyo, Ted Allpress, Douglas Tait, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Vanessa Bednar, Michelle Csitos, Stephen Oyoung
- Director: Kenneth Branagh
Comments
- malmevik77 - 23 May 2024
Lots of info dump for those not familiar, but a solid intro to Thor
Thor
Robotics, science and government have been tackled in the MCU, but the 4th film in the MCU, Thor, brings in mysticism and alien beings. Marvel had used Norse mythology decades ago when writing the series Journey Into Mystery, which evolved into the adventures of Thor pretty early on. As it was clear by this point that the Avengers were coming together, it wouldn't be right to not involve our favorite muscled Norse god from Asgard. It was time for his "origin" film, explaining who he is, who his cast of characters are, and how the universe continues to expand.
S. H. I. E. L. D.'s references to "trouble in New Mexico" during Iron Man 2 are revealed to be a powerless Thor, and his unmovable hammer, making a dramatic entrance by falling from the sky. Jane Foster (played beautifully by Natalie Portman), is joined by MCU original characters Darcy (love love love her) and Dr. Erik Selvig in finding Thor while researching changes in the constellations due to the transportation system used.
The movie spends a big chunk of time info dumping all of Thor's mythology for the audience, introducing all of those characters, Loki, Odin, Freya, Heimdall, the Warriors Three, and Lady Sif, plus of course our favorite hammer, Mjölnir.
The rest of the movie is a cautionary tale of letting one's arrogance and bravado overtake compassion and decency. Thor is tossed to Earth (Midgard) because his father doesn't believe he is fit to wield such power while being a colossal brat. Jane Foster helps him realize what a brat he truly is, and rah rah rah, all is well. Hawkeye also makes a short appearance as an operative of S. H. I. E. L. D., like Black Widow in Iron Man 2.
I think it's not an uncommon experience for someone to be told their entire life that they are perfect, and will use those skills when they're older. However, that can lead to a big head, and a very black and white outlook on what is right and wrong. The literal translation is a form of racism dumbed down to good vs evil.
As usual, the good guys are good looking humans, and the bad guys are dark blue skinned creatures, not as good looking of course. Loki, Thor's brother, living in his brother's shadow, goes rogue when learning of his own connection to the "bad guys" even though he can change his form between the two races. This sets Loki against Thor because of this "us vs them" mentality and we see this rivalry continue throughout the entire movie series for the next decade.
One more origin story to go folks, then we get to the Shawarma! Thor's Stan Lee cameo involved him using a truck to try and drag Mjölnir out of its landing point. I love looking for these cameos as I review these films. - Mysterygeneration - 9 January 2024
A Mythic Marvel Adventure that Strikes with Thunderous Action and Heroic Splendor
The exciting movie Thor, based on a Marvel Comics narrative, blends humor, action, and mythology to tell a cosmic heroic tale. Kenneth Branagh gives the movie a Shakespearean grandeur, while Chris Hemsworth exudes charisma and dominating magnetism as the Norse God of Thunder. The story examines themes of atonement, selflessness, and the responsibility that comes with having such great power. With the help of production design and special effects, Asgard is brought to life in an amazing visual display. Epic and creative action scenes feature Mjolnir, Thor's hammer, in exhilarating combat. The ensemble gains depth and seriousness from the supporting cast, which includes Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, and Natalie Portman.
