Original View Date: April 30th, 2011
Plot (3/5):
Thor's origin story is quite different from other superheros. Partially because he already is one. The plot focuses more on the transition of character rather than the super power obtaining process. Therefore the story might feel like there hasn't been much of a change. Personally I never got the feeling that Thor was a superhero from this movie. The first Act of Thor is purely about him in Asgard and is overly developed. Not much information and too much screen time. This becomes a problem because Thor and Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) lack character development and chemistry. They do go through the basic formula and requirements for the film to be entertaining and it works; it's not that they don't have anything, it's that they lack substance. The movie feels very short and is enjoyable to a degree. It's not as mind blowing as I had hoped for.
It's also fun to imagine how 'Thor' takes place in the same universe as Iron Man's. While Iron Man was all scientific, 'Thor' is a myth and it's interesting how the films cross over each other.
Characters (2/5):
Again, because of the unnecessarily long first act, 'Thor' has very little time to develop its characters. It's hard to see the reckless, arrogant god transform to a humble, mature superhero. What was the motivation for his character change? Was it just merely the punishment of being banished from Asgard? Probably not. Portman's character's purpose was to help Thor transform him to a better person. However they lack a lot of chemistry; they only get one scene together and it's just not enough. Yes, Thor shows that he has become self less by sacrificing himself for Jane but that shows that he loved her. Thor was loving before and in addition when did he fall in love with Jane? Again the problem all originates from the fact that the movie has a lot of its screen time taken away from the first act. I truly believe that the writers were capable of developing better characters however from the result, Thor is quite underdeveloped. Also the movie has a lot of supporting characters that add pretty much nothing to the story. All of Thor's god friends can be replaceable with each other and as for the character Darcy, she is not essential either. Another huge problem is that I didn't get a good sense on the antagonist's motives and intentions. Loki is a sympathetic villain, yes but does he want revenge on his foster father Odin for hiding the fact that he was a frost giant? Or does he want to wipe of the frost giants? Or both? Well, it doesn't really matter because the humans on earth aren't much in danger. Loki sends the Destroyer to kill Thor not the humans which is why Thor doesn't feel like he's "saving" the world. Loki's character wants to prove himself worthy; but he's hostile towards both the Asgardians and the frost giants so that cancels his motive out. There's a lot of problems to mention in this section.
Again, because of the unnecessarily long first act, 'Thor' has very little time to develop its characters. It's hard to see the reckless, arrogant god transform to a humble, mature superhero. What was the motivation for his character change? Was it just merely the punishment of being banished from Asgard? Probably not. Portman's character's purpose was to help Thor transform him to a better person. However they lack a lot of chemistry; they only get one scene together and it's just not enough. Yes, Thor shows that he has become self less by sacrificing himself for Jane but that shows that he loved her. Thor was loving before and in addition when did he fall in love with Jane? Again the problem all originates from the fact that the movie has a lot of its screen time taken away from the first act. I truly believe that the writers were capable of developing better characters however from the result, Thor is quite underdeveloped. Also the movie has a lot of supporting characters that add pretty much nothing to the story. All of Thor's god friends can be replaceable with each other and as for the character Darcy, she is not essential either. Another huge problem is that I didn't get a good sense on the antagonist's motives and intentions. Loki is a sympathetic villain, yes but does he want revenge on his foster father Odin for hiding the fact that he was a frost giant? Or does he want to wipe of the frost giants? Or both? Well, it doesn't really matter because the humans on earth aren't much in danger. Loki sends the Destroyer to kill Thor not the humans which is why Thor doesn't feel like he's "saving" the world. Loki's character wants to prove himself worthy; but he's hostile towards both the Asgardians and the frost giants so that cancels his motive out. There's a lot of problems to mention in this section.
Performance (5/5):
Solid performances. No, don't expect an Oscar nomination from Anthony Hopkins. He's not portraying a groundbreaking character like Hannibal Lector. He's just doing his job, acting suitably for Odin. And Chris Hemsworth is likable, funny and convincing. The true star I must say is Hiddleston though. He's a true sympathy provoker. Heimdall is also quite the badass; not much acting is required but the actor does his job of being emotionless.
Specifics (3/5):
The action sequences were there. The climactic battle was underwhelming but the dramatic confrontation between Thor and Loki makes up for that. I didn't watch the film in 3-D but from what I've seen, it's quite meaningless. The scenery is beautiful and the computer graphic images do look like a video game here. It's all very metal-y looking but it didn't bother me. The Iron Man references are humorous and I liked how Marvel is starting to combine these universes together (even the Hulk is mentioned).
Theme (4/5):
Arrogance, selfishness, and humbleness; these are the reoccurring themes. They are easily identifiable as the protagonist and the antagonist go through the same stage of wanting to prove themselves. However Thor is the one that makes the better choice and changes for the better.
Dialogue (4/5):
Dialogue (4/5):
Funny dialogue as expected from the trailer. This is basically the same typ of dialogue from the other Marvel movies. Not as much one liners as an action flick but still there for humour while the dramatic moments remain dramatic rather than becoming corny. Good script.
Overall (3/5):
It's a fun flick that I won't mind watching twice or three times. I tried not to compare it with 'Iron Man' but we all know that this is inevitable...and 'Thor' is not as outstanding. So far I like what Marvel is doing and I'm hyped for the 'Avengers'. How Thor is going to go back to earth and join the Avengers, we have yet to find out.
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