Movie Review #4: Thor (2011)

Kenneth Branagh, the director of movies like Hamlet and Henry V, directs a superhero movie. Am I the only one who thought that was a bit of an odd choice? Regardless of it being an unusual choice, it works.

Now, Thor is the story about the God of Thunder. Thor, (played by Chris Hemsworth) is the son of Odin, (played by Anthony Hopkins) and Thor will become king of Asgard, the heavenly realm the gods live in. But after taking the throne, he is banished to Earth for almost starting a war (and because he's pretty arrogant).

Chris Hemsworth is great as Thor. Not only does he look the role but he kills it. Even though Chris Hemsworth is epic as Thor, the real scene stealer is Tom Hiddleston as Loki. Loki is one of those characters that steals every scene he's in. He's like Doc Holliday from Tombstone in the sense that he's the fan favorite character. Loki is also one of those few villains that even though he's evil, you can't help but like the guy! Natalie Portman plays the human love interest for Thor and she's super pretty as usual (why wouldn't she be?).

Even though Thor is a superhero fantasy movie, it's also a great story of redemption and honor. That's why I think that Kenneth Branagh was a great director. He said in an interview that his Shakespeare movies had the same lessons that Thor does. Both deal with family and honor, and that's why he worked as the director, even though he's primarily known for directing Shakespearean films.

Final Report: Thor is the best Avengers prequel since Iron Man and I couldn't be more stoked for the sequel due out this November. Thor is worth buying even if you're mainly a Shakespearean kind of guy.