Thor Movie Review

Introduction (Warning Contains Spoilers)

With an extended version of Avengers: Endgame arriving in cinemas this September, Marvel is attracting renewed attention.

Avengers: Doomsday is also scheduled for December, making this a perfect time for another MCU rewatch.

We have decided to revisit the Marvel films in chronological order.

Our journey now takes us to 2011 and Thor. Released after Iron Man 2, the film introduced audiences to one of Marvel’s most important heroes.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Thor features Chris Hemsworth playing the lead character.

Other actors include Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, and Stellan Skarsgård.

Set apart from the usual Earth setting, the movie takes the audience into the realm of Asgard.

Thor is a mighty warrior who happens to be the son of Odin, King of Asgard.

But Thor is not only proud, but he is also headstrong and thinks that his power makes him deserving of leadership.

After reigniting an ancient conflict, Thor is punished by his father. Odin strips him of his powers and banishes him to Earth.

Along with that, his magic hammer called Mjölnir is also stripped away. In order for Thor to restore his powers, he needs to be humble.

On the other hand, Thor’s brother Loki starts scheming about taking the Asgardian crown.

This is how the tale of family and growth takes place. Moreover, there are many characters introduced to the audience, which later became vital in the MCU.

In my view, Chris Hemsworth was a great choice to portray Thor. He certainly deserves some praise for putting his unique stamp on the character.

Chris Hemsworth is able to bring physicality to the role. Yet he also recognizes that Thor must have some humor and vulnerability to him.

These qualities will be vital for future Marvel movies. For now, however, Thor is figuring out what kind of hero he wants to be.

The result is an interesting early MCU experiment.

It combines Norse mythology, Shakespearean-style family drama and modern superhero filmmaking. That combination does not always work perfectly.

However, it gives Thor an identity that separates it from the earlier MCU films.

Direction

The choice of Kenneth Branagh as a director for Thor seems surprising but inspired. His experience in theatrical art and Shakespeare’s dramas is very helpful for this movie.

The royalty of Asgard perfectly suits theater play. Instead of considering this material as just another science fiction movie, he embraces it.

The story of Odin, Thor and Loki is the basis of the whole movie. Their fights seem more tragic than those in regular superhero movies.

This gives the film a different dramatic flavour. Branagh appreciates the role played by performance in making good movies.

The actors are allowed to bring out the emotion among the characters. Anthony Hopkins adds a lot of authority to Odin.

Tom Hiddleston makes Loki more and more disturbing. Chris Hemsworth adds youthful confidence to Thor.

Their performances generate most of the dramatic elements in the movie.

Branagh also uses theatrical elements in the way he presents Asgard.

The grand architecture and the vast landscapes create a larger-than-life world. There is an obvious element of spectacle involved.

But Branagh also makes sure not to make the movie completely theatrical.

The director uses the theatrical elements in conjunction with the modern style of Marvel blockbusters.

This creates an interesting mix of drama and superhero action. That, too, makes for one of the most fascinating aspects of the movie.

The shift from Asgard to Earth is equally significant. Earth, of course, has an altogether more realistic setting.

And Thor all of a sudden finds himself amid normal people. Consequently, his arrogance is even more pronounced.

He is taught to be humble through dealing with people who do not hold him in awe because of his position.

It adds a visual contrast to the direction. However, both realities in the film do not always get the same amount of focus.

The reality of Asgard looks amazing. At times, Earth seems like an ordinary romantic comedy.

That makes some of the tonal shifts feel quite abrupt. Moreover, some of the jokes are a bit more heavy-handed than those in Iron Man.

Nevertheless, it all works thanks to Hemsworth being committed to his character.

Branagh also succeeds in keeping the movie going at a moderate speed.

There are no unneeded subplots which would bog down the movie.

The main conflict is rather clear. Thor has to be worthy. Loki is craving for power. Odin is trying to help his son. These motives are rather easy to perceive.

Probably the biggest problem with the direction is underdevelopment of some secondary characters.

The three warriors and Lady Sif have distinct personalities. Yet, they do not have much dramatic depth.

This is especially evident in relation to the significance of Thor in future MCU films. On the whole, Branagh takes an adventurous approach.

Namely, he does not strip the source material of its theatricality. Rather, he uses it in the context of a contemporary superhero movie.

In such a way, Thor gets its own personality.

Cinematography

The cinematography of Thor was provided by Haris Zambarloukos. This plays an important role in setting apart Asgard from Earth.

Both settings feature different types of visual aesthetics. While Asgard is presented as a magnificent place with many colors and stylization, Earth appears more familiar to viewers.

This contrast serves to illustrate the condition of Thor. Thor starts his journey on the planet where he is a person of importance.

Later, he ends up in an environment where he is not important at all. Thus, the cinematography reinforces the development of the character.

Asgard is shown as an immense royal empire. The architecture lends a scale to the setting.

The Bifröst Bridge also becomes a crucial element. The design of the bridge adds the sci-fi element to the film.

The Asgardian settings have a peculiar combination of technology and history. Thus, the settings are a curious blend.

They are not entirely medieval or futuristic. It aligns with the way the movie interprets Norse mythology.

Earth scenes take place in more recognizable locations. A New Mexico setting makes the story more isolated.

That is helpful in developing Thor’s character. He is away from home and away from everything he knows.

Camera work is helpful in emphasizing the size of Thor. Hemsworth is always shot in ways that make him seem strong.

This is especially true when the film shows the Asgardian scenes early on in the film. Thor must be godlike before he becomes a mere mortal.

Wide shots are used well in the film. They help viewers understand the vastness of Asgard.

Visual effects and cinematography are combined well for the big scenes. However, visual effects may sometimes make some scenes appear a bit fake.

It is an important period in the history of blockbusters films. Digital environments were becoming more and more commonplace.

Consequently, some of Thor’s environments look like something out of the early 2010s. This does not mean that the cinematography is bad.

It only means that some things have become dated. In any case, Zambarloukos manages to create a good visual contrast between the worlds presented in the film.

The result supports Branagh’s theatrical approach while maintaining a modern Marvel identity.

Visual Effects

The visual effects were necessary in order to realize Thor on screen. The movie had to produce Asgard, the Bifröst and various superhumans.

Moreover, the movie had to render Mjölnir as a magic wand. Given 2011 standards, many of these visual effects are quite remarkable.

In particular, the Bifröst stands out. Its colorful design is iconic for the entire movie.

Finally, the environments of Asgard deserve to be mentioned. The virtual backgrounds provide the movie with grandiose scale.

The digital background scenes provide a sense of scale that would have been hard to achieve in reality.

These visual effects also serve to separate Asgard from Earth. It seems almost impossible when you compare it to the regular world.

This is vital for the plot. The Mjölnir is also an interesting effect used in the movie.

Its heavy and supernatural qualities have been well portrayed through visual effects.

Also, Thor’s powers seem more impressive. Energy and destruction serve as a perfect superhero effect.

Not all the effects age equally well, though.

Some digital environments might appear artificial by current standards. There are action sequences that have very visible CGI.

The character called The Destroyer is another such example. It appears threatening, but some moves come off as computer-generated nowadays.

There is also a great battle at the end which uses a lot of visual effects. The result is spectacular.

Yet the digital nature of the environment makes the action less physically real.

This is particularly noticeable when compared with the more grounded approach of Iron Man.

The problem then is whether there is too much CGI used. However, I think that this is generally fairly well balanced.

After all, the film does need some computer effects. Without them, Asgard would not be able to be created at all.

They do also make use of real sets and costumes wherever possible. Thus, the actors do indeed have tangible surroundings. This grounds the performances.

The CGI is most impressive when it builds on the world. It’s least impressive when it IS the world. That difference matters.

In general, the effects manage to generate a convincing superhero fantasy. Some of the effects are dated, but they work within the visual vocabulary of the film.

Themes and Storyline

The main theme in Thor is worthiness. Thor enters the tale thinking that strength automatically makes him a good leader.

He thinks his being Odin’s son gives him authority. His actions show otherwise. Thor’s pride ends up making him exiled.

Losing his powers makes him re-evaluate himself. This becomes the basis of his character development.

The movie indicates that good leadership involves humility. Sacrifice must be fully comprehended by Thor before becoming worthy.

It’s a fairly straightforward concept. Nonetheless, the movie manages to do that effectively.

FAMILY is another central theme. The brotherly relationship between Thor and Loki forms an integral part of the plot.

Their competition stems from their varying degrees of intimacy with Odin. Loki feels unappreciated. Thor seems predestined for all of it.

This causes tension between the brothers. The acting of Tom Hiddleston brings a lot of complexity to this situation.

Loki does not only feel envy. He also looks for his place in the family. This gives the situation emotional charge.

The relationship between Odin and Thor is just as important. Odin wants Thor to be a responsible leader.

But he understands that Thor is not ready for that. That is why Odin decides to banish Thor.

It also becomes a means to educate his son. This makes for an interesting relationship between the characters.

Power is also another element explored by the storyline. Initially, Thor believes that power gives him the authority to rule.

The movie challenges this assumption. Thor learns that having power without responsibility may be risky.

This is consistent with other elements introduced in the MCU. Tony Stark had to learn responsibility too. But the story of Thor is more related to leadership.

Thor and Jane Foster’s romance is an additional layer. Natalie Portman brings intelligence and determination to Jane.

Jane is interested in science and is really curious about Thor. The romance between the two happens fast.

It is one of the less successful parts of the movie. Their romance fits the story fine.

But it just does not get enough development to be truly believable.

The Earth plotline also affects the mood of the movie greatly.

These are some instances when the movie gets lighter and comical.

Some of them are quite successful. Others fail to resonate well with the darker theme of Asgard.

This tonal mismatch is among the greatest weaknesses of the film.

The plot in itself is fairly simple. Thor gets banished. Thor meets Jane. Loki gains control of Asgard. Thor learns humility. Thor becomes worthy once again.

There are no major shocks. However, simplicity does not mean a flaw.

The movie follows a clear emotional arc. The development of Thor is simple to follow. The length of the movie also works well.

The movie is not too long. However, there are some characters that can be developed more.

The Warrior Three, Sif and Heimdall can all be expanded on. They are memorable but underused.

Despite these issues, the central storyline holds together well.

Performances

Chris Hemsworth must be given a lot of credit for being chosen to play the character of Thor.

He was not really known as a leading man at the time the movie came out.

It would have taken a great deal of guts from Marvel to put him in such an important role.

The risk proved to be worth it. Not only does Hemsworth have the physique of a god, he also has a lot of personality.

He makes the character an arrogant one, but without completely making him unlikable.

Timing for his comedy parts is very significant. Thor’s responses to ordinary things on Earth lead to some funny scenes.

Hemsworth performs well with the drama parts too. His interaction with Odin offers some emotional points in the movie.

So, this character development seems natural.

In my opinion, Hemsworth made a lasting stamp on the character.

That achievement deserves recognition.

Tom Hiddleston is another major strength. His Loki is intelligent, charming and increasingly dangerous.

Hiddleston creates sympathy for Loki without excusing his actions. This makes the character more interesting.

Anthony Hopkins gives Odin tremendous authority.

His voice and presence make the character immediately convincing.

Hopkins also handles Odin’s anger effectively. His relationship with Thor gives the film emotional weight.

Natalie Portman plays Jane Foster with intelligence and enthusiasm.

She brings energy to the Earth storyline. However, the screenplay does not give Jane enough development.

Portman performs well despite that limitation.

Stellan Skarsgård brings credibility to Erik Selvig. He gives the scientific material a more grounded quality.

Kat Dennings provides much of the film’s humour as Darcy Lewis. Her character is deliberately lighter. Some viewers may find the comedy effective. Others may find it slightly excessive.

Idris Elba makes an immediate impression as Heimdall.

He gives the character dignity and strength.

The Warriors Three and Lady Sif also bring energy to the Asgard sequences. However, their roles are largely supporting.

Overall, the performances are strong. Hemsworth and Hiddleston are the clear standouts. Their chemistry becomes particularly important to the wider MCU.

What Worked and What Did Not

Thor has its strengths. The casting choices are one of the best aspects about this movie. Chris Hemsworth makes the role of Thor believable.

Hemsworth is a good choice for Thor. Tom Hiddleston makes the role of Loki significant in the MCU.

Anthony Hopkins makes Odin authoritative. The familial bonds give the story emotion.

Another strong point of the movie is the directing. Branagh’s stage experience adds something to the film.

His theater background makes this movie unique. The scenes from Asgard seem to be epic and dramatic.

This movie is also able to blend mythology with science fiction. This combination would definitely cause confusion.

But rather, it builds up an interesting and entertaining universe.

The cinematography also helps to highlight the difference between Asgard and Earth.

The special effects are able to provide the right scale for the plot.

The Bifröst still makes up one of the movie’s most recognizable visuals.

Moreover, the character development is very efficient as well.

Thor starts off as a boastful fighter. In the end, he gets to realize what responsibility means.

Such a change brings the emotional goal into the plot.

Nevertheless, the movie is not perfect.

There seems to be something wrong about the tone of the Earth sub-plot compared to Asgard.

Also, the romance between Thor and Jane develops too fast.

Supporting characters are somewhat neglected. The Warriors Three and Lady Sif could have played more important roles.

The villain subplots become predictable. Loki is an interesting character due to Hiddleston’s acting skills.

But the entire plan of Loki remains quite simplistic. The final fight scene is not as impressive as in other MCU movies.

Visual effects seem somewhat outdated. Some digital locations and creatures appear less convincing now.

It is also difficult for the movie to strike a balance between the different moods it tries to convey.

Theatrical drama of Branagh comes along with comedic elements. This combination generally works well.

At times, the transition becomes uncomfortable. All these problems hinder Thor from being as good as the best movies of MCU.

However, it does not hide all the strengths of the film. It introduces a major hero. It introduces a villain loved by many fans of Marvel.

It expands the MCU beyond Earth. Most importantly, it proves that Marvel could experiment with different genres.

Overall Verdict

Thor is a very ambitious early MCU movie that stands out in its own way.

Kenneth Branagh’s stage experience makes this movie very unique for the stage quality he brings to it.

The mixture of mythology, Shakespearean familial conflict, and superheroes comes together unexpectedly well.

Chris Hemsworth is perfectly cast as Thor and made him his own character right away.

Tom Hiddleston provides the MCU with one of the best villains it’s ever seen with Loki.

The cinematography makes Asgard and Earth look like completely different worlds.

The visual effects have created a stunning world, even if some of the effects have begun to show their age.

This is another element that Thor gets. Thor realizes that being powerful and irresponsible does not make one worthy.

However, there are many issues with this movie as well.

There is often a disconnect between the Earth plot line and the Asgardian plot line.

Additionally, the romance progresses far too quickly. There are quite a few secondary characters that do not develop.

Some CGI in the movie has also shown its age.

However, despite these flaws, Thor still stands out as a crucial installment for MCU’s early days. The movie broadened Marvel’s world in many ways.

In addition to that, it introduced characters who became key figures in the larger franchise.

Most importantly, Chris Hemsworth immediately caught the attention of the audience playing Thor.

The actor brought his character humor and charm.

Branagh’s direction also ensured the film did not simply feel like another superhero adventure.

It had its own theatrical personality.

That makes Thor an enjoyable and important step in Marvel’s larger experiment.