Marvel is keepin pretty dang busy this Summer. First there's this movie, Thor, then there's X-men: First Class, and finally Captain America. You can be sure that if you go to the theater and pick a movie at random, you will be entertained (Marvel or not.)

Thor is actually much much better than I thought it would be. I was expecting something cheesy, over the top, and cliche. Yes, there were moments that were cheesy, over the top (very), and cliche, but I thought it was integrated well into the storyline overall. I was entertained the entire time.

If you're not familiar with Norse mythology, you are given a bit of a back story for who Thor and his brother, Loki, are as characters. Thor wants power, lots of it, and wants to show it off constantly. Loki, though seemingly quiet, wants power to prove that he's worthy of having it. So yes, there's sibling rivalry and betrayal and its painfully obvious to the plot. You know what's going on before the characters do, which is a little disappointing. Like I said, though: it's still entertaining. Not to mention BEAUTIFUL to look at.

The CG and special effects were, to put it simply: very cool. Therefore, the action is 'very cool' as well. It's in 3D, and I can see why they wanted that effect. There are moments when the 3D's worth it, but I think it could have done without and still be pretty successful visually.

The acting was ok. The only real stand-out performance would be from Anthony Hopkins as Odin. But, ya know...it's Anthony Hopkins. He doesn't do a bad job. Ever.

Chris Hemsworth was refreshing. You don't see him around that often (I knew him from Star Trek for what? 5 minutes?) so it's nice to see an actor that's "new". He played Thor as a whiny wanna-be man boy. Once he's exiled to Earth by Odin, his character drastically changes into a compassionate man, but it doesn't seem like we even see the transition.

Natalie Portman's performance as Jane, the woman that found Thor in the middle of the desert by hitting him with her car, was forgettable. Which is disappointing because I've been LOVING everything Natalie Portman has been doing lately (a la, Black Swan.) But it might be the writing's fault. Her character seemed to just...be there. Both as someone to bum a ride off of and a love interest to Thor.

I suppose I should talk about Loki, Thor's younger brother played by Tom Hiddleston too. He was also a new face, but I don't want to explain too much about his character in fear of spoiling a key plot point for you. So, I suppose I'll leave him alone. I hope he picks up some other movie roles other than The Avengers (again, as Loki) because I'd like to see him again.

Should you see it? Yes yes. It's good fun for a night out :)

3D or 2D? If your theater has an option to see it in 2D, I'd go for the 2D. You won't be missing out on too much.

Better than Iron Man? Um. No superhero movie will ever be better than Iron Man. At least, that's until The Avengers comes out.

 

 

Movies releasing next week:

Bridesmaids (I'm probably screening this one. It looks hilarious!)
Priest
Everything Must Go