Thor DVD
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgård, Tom Hiddleston, Kat Dennings
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Rating: 4/5
Thor sees actor turned filmmaker Kenneth Branagh take on a CGI laden blockbuster for the very first time, not that you would know it, as he has produced a fine movie that remains one of the best blockbuster movies of the year.
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions re-ignite an ancient war.
Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans.
A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love.
It's while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.
Ok so the lead role may not have been taken by the most notable name in Hollywood but Thor is set to make a star out of Chris Hemsworth - who puts in a fine performance.
Hemsworth moves effortlessly between action and comedy and back again as he demonstrates fine leading man qualities that will surely pave the way for great success.
In the past Marvel have struggled with back story when kicking off a franchise, Fantastic Four being a perfect example, spending too much time explaining the what, the when and the where.
But the tight script by Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, Don Payne gives doesn't get bogged down in the past delivering a quick and concise backstory before moving on.
Thor is a fast paced movie that delivers action, comedy as well as a very human, and often touching tale - not to mention that Asgard looks absolutely stunning.
And Branagh's last of experience in this genre of film actually works in Thor's favour as he never loses sight of the characters and the story - a movie that could so easily get carried away with special effects, gimmicks and action set pieces never strays from telling the tale.
Thor is perhaps the trickiest characters of The Avengers line up to bring to the big screen but Branagh has grounded the story in reality and nothing ever seems too fantastical or over the top.
But at the heart of this big budget blockbuster is a story about a young man who learns humility, the importance of family and finds love for the very first time - these lessons never being lost.
Hemsworth is perfectly cast and he works well alongside Oscar winner Natalie Portman - great to see an actress of her quality cast in the role of Jane Foster; a clever and strong young woman.
There is great chemistry between the pair that never feels fake or forced - I am personally looking forward to seeing their relationship develop over coming movies.
While Anthony Hopkins is used sparingly as Odin he brings a real presence to the role as he tries to teach his son how to be a king.
Without doubt Thor is a movie that could have gone terribly wrong but Branagh has crafted a movie that is both exciting as well as engaging.
It's such a shame that Branagh will not be returning to the director's chair for the sequel as he really has delivered an outstanding, fun and exciting movie.
Thor is out on DVD &Blu-Ray now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
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