Thor

Marvel Comics' Thor is a weird amalgam of a fish out of water story, epic fantasy piece, and modern-day superhero myth. It's the sort of premise that seems ridiculously easy to screw up if even one of those components didn't work. Luckily fans can set their worries aside; this is a movie that knows how to have fun with a ridiculous idea, even if it doesn't do anything new or extraordinary.

Thor tells the story of a the titular Norse god, banished from Asgard to our world for his recklessness while his brother Loki schemes to take the throne for himself. On Earth Thor does what every good fish out of water does: he addresses his flaws while learning the value of love and the true meaning of heroism. Chris Hemsworth plays him well enough to make the character likable and offset the inherent goofiness of the plot.

The supporting cast is decent all around. Natalie Portman adds impressive dimension to what would otherwise be a standard love interest and Anthony Hopkins plays a believably wise yet tragic Odin. The other Asgardians look like they all came from the set of a Lord of the Rings knockoff, but when their whole purpose is to kick ass without getting in the way of the plot, it's hard to dislike them. The real highlight, however, is Tom Hiddelston as Loki, who always feels appropriately sly and deadly. After seeing other roles like this done way too flamboyantly before, it's good to see him show just that little bit of eccentricity that every good super-villain needs.

The real star of this movie, though is the action. It's not the best you've seen in recent years, but it comes often and consistently delivers in terms of scope, intensity, and style. My only complaint is that the giant robot looks a little too much like something you'd expect out of Power Rangers. That said, it makes up for its goofiness with sheer deadliness.  The CG is some of the best you'll see in a superhero movie, creating a world that's flashy and epic but still feels real. Director Ken Branagh's style of over-the-top (in a good way) drama serves the movie well.

Thor's interactions with the modern world border on campy at times and come close to killing tension (think a toned down Star Trek 4) but enough good humor comes from them and the writers are smart enough not to draw these scenes out too long. In general the movie has a very nice sense of humor and knows when to laugh at its own ridiculousness.

Fans of Marvel's mythology will be glad to see a cameo from Hawkeye and Nick Fury as well as several references to other Avengers. As a fan myself I'm satisfied to see the Marvel universe coming together piece by piece.

In short, for a movie that doesn't do anything special or extraordinary, Thor does a lot of things right. It features compelling action, likable characters, and just the right amount of genre savvy to make it a success in all respects. If you have any interest in fun, lighthearted superhero movies, there's no reason why this one will disappoint.

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