Movie Review: Thor
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It's often said that a new thing comes along as a combination of some old things.
Royal family infighting and love between a god and a mortal are some of the stories that are most touched upon. In this age of CGI and 3D, moviemakers bundle up old plots with lavish digital effects. Now we have Thor, an extravagant action adaptation directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Originally the god of thunder in Norse mythology and then a superhero in a comic book by the legendary Stan Lee in 1962, the titular Thor is played by Aussie newcomer Chris Hemsworth. Thor is a headstrong young prince set to be crowned, but after defying his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) when he goes to wage war in the land of the Frost Giants he's banished to Earth and stripped of his powers.
When on Earth, do as Earthlings do. How about having an affair? Yes, Thor quickly falls for astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who discovers him in the desert and guides the hero through life on our planet. But the relationship is long established before we barely notice their growing affection. Does it start from the scene where Thor swaggers topless and shows off his hulking frame to Jane?
Anyway, the god has to do it quickly because he has to fly back to his world as his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is scheming to usurp his throne.
The movie travels back and forth between Asgard and Earth. While life on Earth is very down-to-Earth, Asgard's crystal bridge, magnificent palace, intricate clothes and more are really beyond fanciful. However, the CGI landscapes are so lifeless that they cross the line between live action and cartoons, so appearing quite fake.
After a string of Marvel characters, including Spider Man, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk and X-Men have been exploited by Hollywood, will we soon come to the end of the performances of these simple-minded and superficial godlike superheroes and expect some new interpretation of hero and leadership?
On my 1 to 10 movie scale, I give Thor a 5.5.
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