Movie Review - Thor - Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins

As Marvel gets closer and closer to the Avengers, we see these different characters in different worlds come together, and each piece we get makes me think, like the characters themselves, that this Avengers thing could be something truly special. Marvel steps closer with Thor, and tackles the problem of how you bring the god of thunder into the real world of Iron Man and the Hulk and Captain America, and what does he have to fear. Like so many other things, Marvel does this expertly.

Thor, played wonderfully by Chris Hemsworth is a prince in a realm of powerful Viking-type guys. As his father, a bearded Anthony Hopkins trains Thor and his brother Loki to be king when he's gone, we realize that Thor just yearns for glory and battle, and is not a good leader. When he goes and starts a battle with some ice giants, we get a great action scene that leads to Thors banishment to Earth. With Thor's powers gone, he can only claim command of thunder and a big hammer by being worthy. He meets a hot scientist, played by Natalie Portman and agents from SHIELD, a government agency that seems to be hearding up heroes. When Thor's world is threatened, Thor must become worthy of the power he commands and save our world and his.

The problem with Thor is similar to that of DC's Superman, in that how do you create a threat to a God, someone who is pretty much immortal. Marvel does this pretty well by having a storyline of Loki trying to take over the throne. When Thor is banished, he becomes vulnerable, and a hero that is identifiable. Once he has his powers back, he is a badass that the audience connected with. While these events seem to rocket by and Thors grasp on becoming a good guy seems almost too quick, it's good to see the hero become the true character his powers and the audience deserve.

The action is uneven in the movie, but the action scenes we see, especially when Thor wields his hammer are incredible. Bashing ice giants with a big magical hammer is incredible and something I wouldn't have minded seeing more of. Finally, when Thor is banished, he takes on a more rumbling fighting style that is equally impressive. You can see that a lot of dedication went into this movie, with regard to the action scenes, especially with that of Hemsworth (the guy was actually too large for his suit at one point) and when you see that kind of dedication, it makes the movie that much more enjoyable.

Portman's scientist is very one dimensional, but it's impossible for me not to love her. It's a testament to Portman, more than the writing. She is strong in her determination to prove her scientific theories and finds a fallen Thor as the way to answers. Her chemistry with Hemsworth's commanding performance as the god of thunder is really enjoyable, and I actually wish I could've seen more of it. While Portman’s story just seemed to get in the way, at times of the bigger picture, her onscreen presence kept me interested.

Overall, it's a very simple story of a god who fell, only to seek redemption after finding love and going back to save his people. The difference is that Marvel successfully puts a god into the world of Iron Man and The Hulk with very subtle ways; it's a mention of Tony Stark, or a reference to a missing gamma radiation scientist that gives a great feeling of continuity and geek fodder to tide us over until Captain America later this summer.

Thor is the official start to the summer season with a very entertaining popcorn flick. It's got something for everyone, from a ripped, shirtless Chris Hemsworth to a nerdy hot chick in Natalie Portman to lots and lots of people getting hit with a hammer. It's good fun, whether you’re a fan of the comic or not. If you’re like me, and excited to see The Avengers, be sure to stay through the credits for a scene that sets up a possible plot in the movie.