With the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) heating up at the moment, with Phase 4 underway and the introduction of new characters and the continuation of other’s narratives, it felt like the right time to look back on one of Marvel’s origin stories.
Chris Hemsworth as Thor / Picture Credit: Marvel Studios
With the trailer for Thor: Love and Thunder releasing recently, we thought it would be the perfect time to re-watch Thor (2011), and relive Chris Hemsworth’s first-ever movie playing the God of Thunder.
Thor follows the titular hero as he lives a reckless life on Asgard. He is stubborn, arrogant, and has perhaps the worst eyebrows in the entire MCU. He lives for war, and thrives on the idea that he will see another battle soon after the last.
After he is banished from his home by his father, Odin King of Asgard (Anthony Hopkins), Thor must live with the mortals and learn that being a King is not about war, but the knowledge to know when to charge, and when to lay low.
After sending Thor to Earth, Odin whispers the phrase “Whosoever Holds This Hammer, If He Be Worthy, Shall Possess the Power of Thor” into Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, meaning that unless Thor proves that he can be not just a good King, but a good person too, he and his weapon will remain stranded.
The film sees Thor meet Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), a scientist who the God learns he has a soft spot for, and she for him. They help one another in their quests, and form a bond that neither will forget.
While Thor attempts to free his Hammer from S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), he, as his father hoped, learns what sacrifice is, and that war isn’t always the answer.
Thor is a brilliant MCU origin story that shows real progress for the protagonist, making him likable due to his improved character, rather than simply because the actor is popular.
At the start of the film, Thor is, let’s face it, a bit of a spoiled brat. He gets everything he wants, including the throne of Asgard (before his banishment) and title of King, much to the dismay of his scheming brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston).
As this is a Marvel film, it is not without its humour. The bulk of it comes from Thor’s complete lack of understanding at how human customs work; for example, when he finishes a drink in a café with Jane, he smashes his mug on the floor.
In Asgard, this is simply a telling that you want another drink, but the God of Thunder is confused to learn that this is rude on Earth; however, Jane’s assistant Darcy (Kat Dennings) finds it hilarious.
Thor speaks like he has no idea how to talk to other people, as his accent is somewhat posh, and he converses with such authority that Jane, Darcy and their scientist friend Eric (Stellan Skarsgård) are in a constant state of both awe and confusion.
Other than Thor’s constant (and hilarious) misunderstandings of Earth and its people, Thor is a rather beautiful MCU entry. Thor teaches Jane about the stars and the Nine Realms, learns how to play with others, and shows genuine dismay for his actions on Asgard.
This feature is perhaps one of the best early origin stories, as there is so much that shows how much Thor has changed, but he is still himself – just a better version.
It was great to learn, if only a little, about the Norse gods and their customs, worlds and people, which provided a definite sense of intrigue for the character and a want to see more movies focused on him.
The final battle within Thor is brilliant, and is a chance for the protagonist to show his new, less selfish self. Despite The Warriors Three and Lady Sif (Jaimie Alexander) coming to rescue him from exile, Thor sacrifices himself to save them, something he, even in spite of his love for his friends, may not have done before coming to Earth.
When Thor eventually returns to Asgard and takes his mantle as King, it feels like he has earned his place as ruler, rather than him simply coming into power because he is Odin’s son, like he did at the start.
Thor is an origin story done right. It is a classic MCU film, with a good mix of humour, life lessons, fight sequences, and a satisfying ending all rolled into one; it is definitely worth a rewatch before Thor: Love and Thunder cones out later this year (2022).
Watch the trailer for Thor below:
Written by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal
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