The thunder god rolled into theaters last weekend, pulling from the pockets of us mortals a cool $66 million in his first weekend. That’s according to the Washington Post.
So, was he worth the hype? Good question.
“Thor” is a Marvel Comics superhero. During Viking times, he and his family were worshipped as gods. He’s the son of Odin and he wields the powerful hammer, Mjolnir (MYOL-nir). Or “mew-mew,” as Kat Dennings’ character pronounces incorrectly throughout the film.
In the distant realm of Asgard (think of it like DC’s Krypton, if that helps), Thor expects to take his father’s place as king. But his battle lust and impetuousness break an age-old treaty, forcing Odin to banish his golden-haired son to earth and strip him of his powers.
While he’s gone, his dark-haired brother, Loki, undergoes a bit of an identity crisis. And let’s just say you don’t want to see Loki angry.
Shakespearean actor Kenneth Branagh directed “Thor.” I think he and several great writers, including J. Michael Straczynski, kept the script believable, surprisingly true to the comics, and prevented the story from getting silly.
My experience watching “Thor” was very close to my experience with the first “Iron Man” movie. Both films could not have found actors closer to the beloved comic-book heroes.
Idris Elba is very cool in the role of Heimdall, the gatekeeper to the rainbow bridge. Dennings never gets too annoying as the comic relief. Tom Hiddleston’s work as Loki is utterly inspired.
But Branagh, couldn’t you have allowed Rene Russo a longer fight sequence? This is her first film since 2005 and she deserved more of the spotlight. She’s playing Thor’s mom for pity’s sake!
True believers, this bit is for you. “Thor” introduces Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. Oh yeah! We’ll see him again with Thor, Captain America, Iron Man and others in “The Avengers” movie, directed by Joss Whedon, coming out in May 2012.
You’ll also spot clever cameos by Stan “the man” Lee and Strazcynski.
If I have something bad to say about the film, it’s this: The costumes for the warriors three were too shiny! Give us a break, huh?
Oh, did I forget something? Oh yeah — I’m a fan!