Thor Review
After the shot of Monjir at the end of Shellhead’s lackluster sequel, I was pumped for the next film in Marvel Studios’ line-up. Maybe some of that anticipation worked against me.
The visuals on Asgard looked fantastic. From Costume Designer, Alexandra Bryne to the Cinematography (Haris Zambarloukos) and everybody at the Art Department adapting Jack Kirby’s style to the big screen really well.
Like Robert Downey Jr. before him, Chris Hemsworth owned as The God of Thunder. He absolutely nailed all the sides to Goldilocks’ personality. Sir Anthony Hopkins definitely brought his A-Game back this time around (instead of walking threw like he did in The Wolfman) as The All-Father, Odin. Tom Hiddleston was also really good in his portrayal of Loki, The God of Mischief.
There was huge controversy (even to the point of racial bigotry) regarding Idris Elba (The Losers) filling the boots of Heimdall because there aren’t Africans in both the source material and in Norse mythology. But in context of both, he’s a guardian first and fighter second. Plus his deep voice (amplified in the Sound Department) projected the character’s all-knowing-ness.
Josh Dallas (Feindall) and Jaime Alexander (Sif) both played there roles respectively. Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) makes an impression in his cameo (unlike Scarlett Johansson’s role) in Clint Barton alias Hawkeye’s shoes. The score by Patrick Doyle was very effective in the film. Most notables being Ride To Observatory, Earth To Asgard, The Banishment, and Can You See Jane?.
However, the scenes on Midgard (which also wasn’t disregarded) where the protagonist is supposed to learn humility was rushed. While there was chemistry between Hemsworth and Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), it comes across very spontaneously. Another clear example is that after another anti-climatic (Whiplash / Crimson Dynamo syndrome) battle with The Destroyer, Thunderer walks up to S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) and says to consider himself an ally in their common goals to protect this world of The Nine Realms. Even though there wasn’t any follow-up to Coulson’s interrogation (especially when Thor didn’t say a word).
It was really obvious that some important moments got cut in The Editing Room. Also, the opening battle in Norway 965 A.D. and the beginning of The Odinsons bunting heads at the end suffered from severe Quick-Cuts.
As the first clip Marvel released from the film prior, Kat Dennings’ “character” was completely unnecessary. (I counted) This “bimbo” contributed nothing to the movie as a whole but spout five pop culture references (blatantly forced), one or two one-liners (really forced), and being a total snob twice while being obnoxious all the way (UGH). Exactly the “getting things wrong and not caring” mantra Kat stated in her LA Times interview. Political Science my ass.
The other two actors that made up two halfs of The Warriors Three were severely miscast. Hogun (Tadanobu Asano) didn’t come across as The Grim Mongolian, but more of the typical silent type we’ve seen in martial art films so many times and Ray Stevenson (The Ex-Punisher / Rome star) popping through the Volstagg make-up.
Overall, I liked it for what it was but the film should’ve been longer to develop certain aspects of the story. Hopefully there’s an Extended Cut on DVD.
Rating: 8 1/2
While the after-credits scene wasn’t what I expected (like Chris Evans frozen in ice or The Shield), it still has me stoked (not just for The Avengers) for the next MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) motion picture that’s released a month after Green Lantern, Captain America (minus the subtitle).
Continuing the casting that’s been made, 
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