Perhaps no movie premiering this summer had as many detractors as Thor. People said many things about the film in a negative fashion, saying that the story seemed corny, Asgard looked lame, and many other degrading things. I said many times that no one should judge the film until they can see the final product, as that was the only fair thing to do. Then, a month or two ago, I observed on this website that while Captain America is undergoing reshoots and Green Lantern needed more money to complete the CGI effects required, nothing seemed to be going wrong with Thor. I said that Kenneth Branagh's take on the mythical/Marvel God of Thunder could in fact be the best of the three. While the question of which is best will not be decided for another two months, one thing is certain: Marvel has a booming winner in Thor.
*Spoilers lie ahead. Be thee 'ware, mortals.*
The story has an Iron Man feel in the beginning, using the same technique utilized in Tony Stark's first foray into filmdom. We see an event, Thor's appearance on Earth, and then we flashback to the events in Asgard that lead him there. We go all the way back to 965, where Odin leads the Asgardians to victory over the Frost-Giants of the world of Jotunheim. Odin brings two things back to Asgard--one of these things is the Casket of Ancient Winters,
the power source of Jotunheim. The Frost-Giants are left literally in the dark waiting for a chance to get even. This tale is being told to the children Thor and Loki by their father Odin, the All-Father. He tells them both that only one will be the heir to the Asgardian throne, but both must be prepared. We come to the present day where Thor is about to be chosen as heir, but a problem occurs; three Frost-Giants have crossed over to Asgard in an attempt to reclaim the Casket. Even though they are dealt with swiftly by the Destroyer (a bitchin' armor that makes me think of Alphonse Elric and Godzilla, but I digress), this is not enough for Thor. He leads an expedition into Jotunheim against Odin's stern declaration. Immediately, Thor, Sif, Loki, and The Warriors Three are confronted by Laufey, the king of the Frost-Giants, and many of his minions. A big battle ensues, and only stops with the appearance of Odin. Once back at Asgard, Odin and Thor argue, leading to the Thunder God's banishment to Earth, where he meets Jane Foster and our good friend Agent Phil Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D. Will Thor be able to make his way home? Well, that will not be answered here. I think I gave enough plot for one review.
As far as the story goes, I liked it a lot. The movie, while short and at times a little choppy, was effective. The movie alternated between Asgard, Jotunheim, and Earth but never in a confusing manner, meaning that I always knew where the scene was taking place. Of course, this was helped greatly by the fact that Jotunheim was in everlasting darkness, Asgard is gaudily colored, and Earth is, well, Earth. There are two instances near the end of the film that are of great note, one possibly very good, and one that could (notice I said could before you go off the handle, people) prove troublesome for The Avengers. The exciting possibility is what happens to Loki before the credits roll. Loki floating away in space could easily lead to the possibility of Thanos or the Skrulls. This is of course given support by the scene after the credits roll (here's a hint--this thing will appear in Cap). Now for the potentially troublesome moment. Don't get me wrong here, I liked the sacrifice Thor made in destroying the bridge,but that now means at least a part of The Avengers will be spent on bringing Thor to Earth, which I can see being as boring as it could be exciting. The point is, I now have a little concern for The Avengers. Not a whole lot of concern, but enough to slightly worry me for the next year.
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