Film State: First Avengers Trailer & Tom Hardy is a Spy! – Film State

Thor: The Review

Let me start off by saying that I was not excited by Thor when I heard they were making it. It seemed like a task that was just too daunting for Hollywood to do correctly. It’s like I would’ve rather they picked another character in the Marvel universe and just admitted that they couldn’t do it. (The picture explains what I thought when I first heard they were making this…)

I thought it would be beyond cheesy, and when they cast Hemsworth in the lead role I thought, “Who is this Heath Ledger wannabe?” (Incidentally, who doesn’t think of Heath every time the guy opens his mouth? He’s a near doppleganger to Ledger.)

So when I walked into this movie I was just hoping they didn’t screw it up too bad so it would at least be a marginal bridge to Captain America and The Avengers. Boy was I shocked! I walked in thinking Iron Man was essentially the bar to reach for in a Marvel movie, and here this movie comes along and raises the bar higher than before!

Much like Robert Downey Jr. modeled in Iron Man, this is very much a “sum of all parts” kind of movie. The supporting cast does the proper amount of supporting without hogging the spotlight, which is firmly placed on Thor himself as it should be.

Anthony Hopkins is such a screen presence that he virtually monopolizes any scene he’s in, so I had concerns about his involvement overshadowing Hemsworth’s performance. But in truth, Hopkins plays it subtly enough to not take over any scene, yet still showing what a legend he is. Outside of possibly Liam Neeson, I can’t think of anyone else who could’ve played the role of Odin. But considering Liam has played similar roles in recent years, it would seem to be smart to spread the god titles around a little. Wouldn’t want Liam getting a big head now would we? 🙂

Natalie Portman plays things perhaps a little too school-girly at times, fawning over Thor like a fumbling sixteen year old girl. But you can see how she can play a pivotal role in future installments of several of the spinoff’s of these movies. I look forward to seeing them develop her character.

Loki is just about what I would expect. Very much the evil that he is in the comic books. A proper foe for Thor with his conniving ways requiring Thor to rise above himself to be the man that he was meant to be. Every great warrior needs a great enemy. That’s what Loki is.

The presence of Shield is subtle but aggressive without taking itself too seriously. The little nod to Tony Stark was fun, as well as the subtle nod to the Hulk. There’s also a certain bow wielding hero that makes a cameo as well, setting up a nice little “Oh yeah, him!” moment when The Avengers movie comes around. I think the actor that plays Hawkeye could carry his own movie down the line. Here’s hoping…

The story is solid and rich with action and content without being bogged down in plot points. The split is pretty even between a powerful and powerless Thor finding his way. The overall story arc is compelling and believable from a fantasy standpoint and doesn’t have to try that hard to keep your attention with overly gratuitous action scenes. (I’m looking at you Michael Bay…)

I won’t spoil the after credits scenes for anyone that hasn’t seen it yet, but suffice it to say this is a nice prelude for the forthcoming movies. I’m looking forward to seeing the fruition of all these pieces of the Marvel Universe brought together in the next couple of years. I think they’re doing a phenomenal job of bringing all these characters together on the big screen. These times will be considered the golden age of the big screen superhero when they look back on this era. Mark my words.

Till next time…