'I'm not your brother, I never was'
In light of the recent comic-book film adaptation craze it seems only fitting that we revisit the 2011 American superhero film Thor based on the comic book character published by Marvel Comics and created by Stan Lee. The basic premise of the film centres around Thor, (Chris Hemsworth) son of Odin (Anthony Hopkins) who is banished to Earth following his failed attempt to battle with the Frost Giants of Jotunheim who tried to steal to Casket of Ancient Winters (which Odin himself previously stole). It is then up to Thor to regain his honour and stop his brother Loki, (Tom Hiddleston) from becoming the new King of Asgard. Thor's mortal love interest, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) also appears in the movie, along with Idris Elba who plays Heimdall, the omniscient/omnipresent Asgardian who monitors the bifrost bridge. Thor's mortal companions on earth consist of Jane, (previously mentioned) Dr Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) & Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings).
The performances from the cast are stellar, in particular Hiddleston, Hemsworth and Elba. Hiddleston's Loki emulates the isolation and betrayal the character feels knowing that he isn't like everyone else on Asgard, that he doesn't technically belong to that race, and although he is playing the villain archetype, it's far easier for an audience to empathise and understand his plight rather than outright condemn him. Hiddleston successfully manages to create multiple dimensions to a character who could have lost his complexity in the transition from book to screen; he is portraying a man who is fighting for recognition and love from his father whilst he struggles with his identity and the sibling rivalry that drives his revenge. Portraying the initially arrogant brother (Thor) is Chris Hemsworth, who is able to capture the raw emotion of the character after he loses his place amongst his father on Asgard and convey the transformation he makes through the film with the help of Jane without making the whole thing feel contrived. Elba's Heimdall comes across as particular powerful and proves everlasting in a film with so many fascinating characters.
In a film with so much turmoil, it can be difficult to incorporate a suitable sense of humour, but in this piece the director Branagh manages to balance that out with almost a self-mocking feel. The strained brotherly relationship between Thor/Loki is certainly funny in places and seems to be paving the way for a face-off in the future, (cue Thor: The Dark World anyone?) where no doubt Loki will have to answer for his crimes.
Of course, the visuals in the film are pretty spectacular and the whole aesthetics of Asgard are breath-taking and a pleasure to behold. Similarly, the lightning and fight scenes match this high standard, however sometimes the film can feel a little bit lacklustre in some moments where the audiences might be left waiting for the action to actually occur. The movie is no doubt in its element when the events are back in motion and the performances from the actors make up for these minor flaws. At first, it's easy to presume the whole banishment to Earth theme has often been overused, but in this instance it doesn't feel too derivative or laboured in its construction, however all audiences may not agree. Other than these minor elements which in a way hold back the film from its true potential, there is very little else which I could falter in a film about one of the marvel superhero's who doesn't get enough attention from studios compared to others (Iron Man, for instance).
It's nice to see that the film retains some mocking humour and wit which can sometimes be lost when creating an origin story. As previously stated, it's re-assuring to see that Marvel can still turn out an entertaining film that isn't based on Tony Stark and that it can build on other stories which retain their heart and integrity on screen. While some might find the whole thing pointless and disjointed in places, most audiences will find that Branagh has provided a suitable beginning to what feels like the first part in a series, as well as a stand alone film.
Reviewed by Mel.
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