RADICAL ROCK’S REVIEW – THOR

RADICAL ROCK’S REVIEW – THOR


‘Cross the Rainbow Bridge of Asgard…
Or
If I had a Hammer… (Yeah. I went there.)


This was Thor’s first live action appearance since 1988s “Return of the Incredible Hulk” which had him looking like a blonde steroidal beach bum and his supposed alter-ego Donald Blake screaming “ODIN!!!” to summon him like an ersatz Captain Marvel. It was obviously an attempt at a spin-off series, but man did it stink. About the only thing that version has in common with this movie is…

Well, he’s blonde.

This time around we get Kenneth “I can make you understand Shakespeare” Brannagh’s version on the big screen in glorious 3D. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, it doesn’t matter how good the pedigree of your director is. You have to match the RIGHT director to the CORRECT comic book property. I.E. for Batman – Schumacher = bad, Nolan = good. Here we have a comic book steeped in Norse mythology that has all the goings on of a Shakespeare play. Royal court intrigue, mischievous magic-wielders, hints of patricide and all the sword (and hammer) play you could want. Brannagh was a perfect choice for this just as he would have been a waste on just about any other comic book movie.

The quick overview of the nine realms leads into some beautifully rendered vistas. From Thor’s home of Asgard to the Frost Giant’s home world, they’ve infused such great scope and architecture that it’s almost a shame we ever have to leave them to come down to earth. Those vistas lend themselves to some of the more phenomenal 3D in the whole movie. Watching the action in 3D is fine, but being brought into these otherworldly places in 3D makes the magic that more real.

There’s plenty of adventure with all the sword and hammer and magic and pseudo-scientific fighting going on. But the best action sequence occurs before Thor even gets to earth. 5 Norse gods against an army of Frost Giants and their “little” pet was exciting, overblown summer movie fun. The rest of the action, good as it was, paled in comparison. If only they hadn’t shot their load so quickly. Oh well. Premature climax, and all that.

It’s got a great cast. From Chris Hemsworth in the title role to Rene Russo and SIR Anthony Hopkins as mommy god and daddy god. Nice cameo by Renner making Hawkeye look cool just standing in the rain. But, here’s what really grinds my gears. I was very disappointed with Natalie Portman. Her character came off as weak and unnecessary. It seems that Portman phones in her performances for the blockbuster/paycheck movies and saves her good work for the Oscar worthy films. Note her nod for Black Swan while her work as Padme in the Star Wars prequels sucked like a Hoover vacuum working the docks.

I liked the action. I liked the vision. I liked how the after-credits teaser scene from Iron Man II was included in the middle of this movie, unlike how the other tag scenes (Samuel L in the first Iron Man – Downey in The Hulk – Sammy L again after this movie) simply became segues (five pounds). I really liked this movie.

Prime’s Bottom Line – Forsooth! This art a glorious & imperious visage!!! (translation – Kewl flick!)