Thor

It seems the latest fad in Hollywood is comic books. Thor is yet another movie based on a graphic novel from the Marvel universe. I've never been much into graphic novels. I think the last time I read one was in the late 80's and was either an early Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle or Archie and Jughead. I think the reality is that I'm probably lucky not to be a follower since I don't notice mistakes and changes. I've a good friend who is a HUGE comic nerd and constantly tries to explain to me why this was wrong and why that was inaccurate, Thankfully I don't care. Let's face facts. Hollywood has a history of doing a half arsed job of turning print into film, take any Harry Potter movie from Prisoner of Azkaban onwards, Eragon, My sisters Keeper and He's Just Not That Into You are great examples of this, although the book He's Just Not That Into You was rubbish so I guess they did a good job with that one. Anyway...

The Movie Thor is about Thor, surprise, surprise (played by Chris Hemsworth) who lives on Asgard and is due to take over the throne of Asgard from his father Odin (played by Anthony Hopkins), much to the disapproval of his jealous brother Loki. Thor and his loyal band of warriors, aided by Loki decide to stir up an ancient feud with the Frost Giants and Odin is furious, stripping Thor of his powers and banishing him and his hammer to Earth until he is deemed worthy to gain back his powers and with them his rightful place. 

Three scientist lead by Jane Foster (natalie Portman) literally run into Thor in the middle of an american dessert. They befriend him and the plot continues from there. Thor obviously has to redeem himself, he needs to learn some humility and in short needs to pull his head out of his butt. This movie is full of action, has moments of comedy, is beautiful in regards to sets, effects, and costumes and all in all is thoroughly enjoyable. Years of working in theatres and watching movies has made me cynical , and cautious about having to high an expectation and so with most movies I go expecting little and am usually not disappointed, I went to Thor expecting very little but loved pretty much every minute of it. One of the things that grabbed my attention was the similarities of Asgard and The Ice Steppes and Icecrown & Ulduar from the World of Warcraft expansion Wrath of the Lich King.

I really was surprised how well this movie flowed and am loving the way marvel are tying these movies together (see end of iron man 2). If you haven't seen this movie and you'd like a bit of an action flick with a bit of romance, comedy, a lesson in morals and mythology all mixed in then please put Thor on your list. And if you do watch this then you need to stay until the end of the credits, if you're a big time Marvel universe nerd then you might just get what's going on after the credits.

This movies rates a very respectable 3 and half choc tops.