‘Thor’ relies on special effects to make impact
Thor
(Cert 12, 110 mins, Action/Drama/Romance)
In the fantastic realm of Asgard, ruled by Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and his wife Frigga (Rene Russo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is an arrogant heir to the throne.
He acts first and thinks later, endangering the lives of his trusty companions, Volstagg (Ray Stevenson), Sif (Jaimie Alexander), Hogun (Tadanobu Asano) and Fandral (Joshua Dallas), by launching a suicidal attack on the Frost Giants, led by the menacing Laufey (Colm Feore).
So Odin strips his son of his powers and his legendary war hammer, and dispatches him to Earth as punishment, where he joins forces with scientist Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard), protegee Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and intern Darcy (Kat Dennings) to survive.
Meanwhile, back in Asgard, Thor’s brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) ascends the throne and steers the kingdom in a new direction.
Thor is an entertaining special effects-laden romp based on the popular Marvel Comics superhero.
The miasma of digital trickery and pyrotechnics doesn’t faze director Kenneth Branagh, who balances the slam-bang thrills with tender romance and broad comedy.
A gratuitous topless scene pays tribute to the countless hours Hemsworth spent in the gym preparing for the role.
He sensibly leaves the emotion to Oscar winners Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins, who inject passion and fury to a predictable narrative that journeys from AD 765 to the present day, incorporating elements of classical Norse mythology to the underlying story of sibling rivalry.
Action set pieces are orchestrated at breakneck pace and digital effects are polished but the 3D version of the film – available on Blu-ray – is a disappointment.
Rating: 3/5.
