Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Kenneth Branagh, Paramount Pictures, M, 115 Minutes.
One of the most popular superheroes within Marvel’s cinematic universe ‘Thor’, based on Marvel’s comic-book character of the same name, is brilliantly brought to the big screen by the distinguished actor/director Kenneth Branagh (‘Murder on the Orient Express’).
The movie opens with a narration from Anthony Hopkins (‘Nixon’) as King Odin recounts the battle between his kingdom of Asgard and the belligerent frost giants of Jotuhelm when he seized the power casket and returning it to his realm.
Aussie superstar Chris Hemsworth (‘Rush’) features as the hammer-wielding Norse god Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior in the mystical kingdom whose rash actions reignites the ancient war and results in his father, King Odin, banishing him to Earth.
On arriving on the planet he is befriended by the scientists Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard – ‘Mamma Mia’) and Jane Foster (Natalie Portman – ‘Black Swan’) where he later learns what it means to be a real hero.
He then discovers that his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston – ‘War Horse’) is the most dangerous villain of his world having sent one of Asgard’s darkest forces to invade Earth, the huge robotic destroyer.
After reclaiming his powers through the re-acquisition of his hammer and falling in love with Jane he returns to Asgard to overthrow Loki who seized Odin’s throne and let loose the Frost Giants, Thor succeeds in saving Asgard from destruction.
Branagh’s exciting epic adventure combines ancient mythology with a thrilling sci-fi adventure in addition to an engaging storyline as well as some amazing visual effects, settings and action scenes.
Furthermore, Branagh has assembled an impressive cast that includes a brilliant performance from Hemsworth as the muscle-bound hero Thor, the Academy Award winning actor Hopkins as Odin, and the Academy Award winning actress Portman as Jane, Thor’s love interest.
Thor is to be televised on Channel 7 at 7.20pm on Saturday 15 May.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 ½ Stars
