Marvel Comics' latest superhero film hit theatres this past weekend and it is definitely their best film yet.
Director: Kenneth Branagh. Screenplay: Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz and Don Payne. Producer: Kevin Feige. Executive Producers: Louis D'Esposito, Stan Lee, David Maisel and Patricia Whitcher. Editor: Paul Rubell. Cinematographer: Haris Zambarloukos. Score: Patrick Doyle. Distributor: Paramount Pictures. Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins and Stellan Skarsgard. Age Restriction: 10VM. Running Time: 115 Minutes.
Every now and again you get to watch a film that against all odds defies expectations. This time around that film is Thor. As you may have read earlier in the week, I wasn't expecting too much from this film because I didn't care much for Thor as a superhero and the trailers looked mightily unimpressive. So as I sat down on my seat on Friday morning with my 3D glasses in hand I was expecting a fairly uneventful if not mildly entertaining flick that I would quickly forget about. Sadly for me that wasn't the case.
Thor turned out to be much, much better than I expected and I am actually happy it turned out that way.
The film itself is about the title character's struggle to prove himself worthy of being the next king of Asgard, which is the home of the gods, and the carrier of the hammer, Mjolnir, which is the source of his power. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is the son of the current king, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), who is getting ready to retire and pass on the crown to him. Unfortunately for Thor things don't go according to plan and the supposed day of his coronation is interrupted by an attempt by the Asgardians' old foes, the Frost Giants, to steal back the source of their power which is known as the Casket Of Ancient Winters. This Casket was taken from the Frost Giants by Odin and his Asgardian army hundreds of years ago to prevent them from taking over Earth which would have emboldened them in their quest to rule over all of the Nine Realms that the universe is divided into. Thor, being the vengeful and warmongering immature god that he is, and a little bit pissed off at the Frost Giants' gate-crashing of his coronation, decides to take matters into his own hands and pre-emptively attacks the Frost Giants on their home planet to prevent them from ever attempting to steal the Casket again. Things again don't go according to Thor's plan and this time he ends being banished to Earth for his foolishness where he is found by the scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), her assistant Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) and her mentor Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard). This is where his journey to redemption truly begins and what a thrilling, action-packed ride it is.
Everything from the story, to the action and the visual effects was way better than even my most optimistic expectations. Even the humour which was my biggest concern from the trailers turned out to be pretty funny and well timed within the context of the lighter scenes that it featured in. This is not to say that Thor is a masterpiece but it certainly is much better than the mostly average popcorn blockbuster films that Hollywood churns out at this time of the year.
PS: The 3D in this film is not of the best standard so be prepared for some eye-strain here and there but overall it mostly is watchable. If you can you should wait to see it when it is no longer in 3D as that will definitely enhance your viewing experience.
Verdict: Easily the most entertaining superhero film since Kick-Ass.
Thor is out in cinemas now and is available in 3D at select theatres.
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