Summer Review #2 -- Thor

When it comes to summer heroes and villains, nobody does it better than Marvel Studios. The epic battles between good and evil, set in the context of grandiose set pieces and larger-than-life stakes, are always eye candy for film buffs and comic book fans alike, and this year's Thor is no exception.

In the godly realm of Asgard, a power game is brewing. King Odin (Anthony Hopkins) is about to hand over the reigns of the kingdom to his son Thor (Chris Hemsworth), but the ceremony is cut short by the attack of the Frost Giants, the ancient enemies of Asgard. Without consulting his father, the hotheaded Thor stages a revenge attack on the Frost Giants' realm, which almost ends catastrophically. As punishment, Odin strips Thor of his powers and banishes him to Earth. Ending up in New Mexico, Thor is found by physicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), her assistant Darcy (Kat Dennings) and boss, Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård), and soon finds out that Earth is the new frontier he will need to protect...

The appeal of Thor lies in the filmmakers' ability to make the ancient tale work on numerous levels. As a superhero film, it effortlessly traces the principal character's journey from arrogance to selflessness, while bringing the other characters into the fold and linking them to the hero's odyssey. As an action film, it offers some spectacular sequences, not the least of which are Thor and his warriors' attack on the Frost Giants and his crash landing on Earth. As a science fiction film and comic book adaptation, it alternates between the regal and surreal ambiance of Asgard and the scientific eloquence of Earth, placing both spheres within the universe of the Avengers. Finally, as a romance, it makes use of the genuine and innocent chemistry between Hemsworth and Portman to depict two lone-wolf personalities that come together under the most extraordinary of circumstances. Director Kenneth Branagh blends these genres seamlessly, all the while drawing on his vast experience with classic literature to give the story the scope and mood of a Shakespearean saga.

The performances are vibrant and fun. Newcomer Hemsworth possesses that rare combo of brawn and charm, peppering his performance with humor and proving that he can carry a film with ease. Portman's character is not etched out that well, but she injects Jane with ingenuity that can only stem from childlike curiosity, making her instantly identifiable. I have liked Dennings ever since seeing her cynic-with-a-heart-of-gold performance in Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist, and her Darcy spouts some fantastic lines. Skarsgård is a reliable and no-nonsense mentor, and Idris Elba is quietly commanding as Heimdall, the guardian of the Bifröst, the bridge between the cosmic worlds. Hopkins possesses an ever-present air of persuasive leadership -- a quality essential to Odin -- and Tom Hiddleston gives a breakthrough performance as Loki, Thor's brother attempting to come out of his sibling's shadow.

Thor is what a good time at the cinema is all about. It draws upon universal concepts of love and honor and combines them with cutting-edge visuals, in order to dramatize Marvel's innovative spin on the legend. On a related note, please make sure to see the film in 3D, if possible. The transfer is gorgeous, and the appearance of detail phenomenal. Intelligent and entertaining, Thor is a film that should be enjoyed on the big screen, in its full multidimensional glory.

10/10