'Thor': epic story, fascinating psychology
A Smashing Success
Not only for its Mythological/Comic Book Hero Epic-ness
But also for its Careful Character Development.
The LA Times says 63% of the people who went to see Thor this weekend were guys. I guess, being a guy, I fall into that demographic. But when you're at the cinema (watching it in 3D) surrounded by seven of your female friends, it's a little different. But that's just my opinion.
It's also just my opinion that Thor: God of Thunder, directed by Kenneth Branagh (famous for his adaption of Shakespeare's Henry V), is a surprisingly creative, predictably adventurous summer movie success.
When a movie's drawing on the imaginative traditions of not just cinematic sagas and a comic-book superhero series known as The Avengers but also on Norse Mythology, and the acting expertise of someone well exposed to Shakespeare's magic, you know it's gonna be good. The question is, How Good?
The movie exposes you to predictable themes: Our buff and brash warrior-hero gets himself in trouble and is exiled. While there (a small desert town, New Mexico) he meets a girl, realizes his mistakes, and gets a sensitive side. By the end, while a little more mature, he's saved the day and returned to being a God. Simple enough.
But it also has some unexpected twists: Natalie Portman plays a somewhat-disconnected-socially-but-passionate-about-stars-storms-and-research astronomy nerd. Her relationship with Thor escapes becoming the sentimental cliche you sometimes find in chick flicks. Anthony Hopkins, veteran actor, plays Odin ruler of Asgard - who turns out to be a pretty ineffective father; and his acting is actually overshadowed by the newbie playing Thor, Chris Hemsworth.
The biggest surprise: The special effects involved in creating the Gods' shiny, golden city of Asgard were undoubtedly impressive. And the fight scenes didn't hold anything back. But what really held my attention was the bad guy, Thor's brother Loki. I won't give too much away, but I will say: Pay Attention to Loki! Growing up in the shadow of his more spirited brother, Loki's conflicted between feelings of love and jealousy. When you add to this his silver tongue and mix in a sense of mischief, and then later stir in feelings of betrayal and guilt -- you get a very complicated character indeed.
My one complaint: the opening, storm-chaser scene taking place in New Mexico's deserts and superficially introducing the viewers to a few of the main characters... totally unnecessary.
But once we get to what is the remainder of the movie, all is well.
Go see Thor: God of Thunder, a promising start to a great summer.