Thor: Revisiting Asgard

Thor is a 2011 film based on the Marvel Comics character which, in turn, is based on the Norse mythological character. Veteran Shakespearean actor and director Kenneth Branagh directs a lush and lavish movie that shows the wonders of Asgard and the stark reality of Earth.

In 965 AD, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), King of Asgard, fights a war with the Frost Giants of Jotunheim led by Laufey (Colm Feore). The Asgardian army is successful in defeating the Frost Giants and preventing them from conquering the Nine Realms, starting with Earth.  In the present, Odin’s son Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is about to be crowned King, but the Frost Giants, secretly aided by Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s brother, attack and attempt to steal an object locked away.  The attempt is quickly squashed, but Thor, against the will of his father, attacks Jotunheim breaking the fragile truce between the two realms.  For his arrogance, Odin strips Thor of his powers and exiles him to Earth and puts an enchantment on Thor’s mighty weapon, Mjölnir, that only someone worthy can wield it.  On Earth, Thor meets Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), an astrophysicist and attempts to retrieve Mjölnir, but finds that he is no longer worthy and cannot even lift it.  Thor and Jane begin to have romantic feelings for each other, but things are not going well in Asgard, as Loki has taken over as King, and Thor finds him, and his new friends, in danger on Earth. Can Thor find a way to regain his worth, retrieve Mjölnir  and save the day?

Thor is the fourth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and is included in what is referred to as Phase One which consisted of the movies, Iron Man (2008), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Thor (2011), Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), and culminates with the crossover film The Avengers (2012).  The movie was a commercial success earning $449.3 million worldwide.  The reviews were mixed, most praising the performances, characters, and special effects, but most did not like the plot.

It is hard to believe that it has been more than a decade since this move was released.  I remember the excitement of sitting in the theatre and waiting for the film to start.  I absolutely loved it and it is still one of my favorite MCU films.  I feel that Kenneth Branagh’s background in classical acting and directing lent itself well to the production.  Thor’s story is very Shakespearean, dealing with kings, gods, war, evil brothers, and the lust for power. Chris Hemsworth was perfect as Thor with his good looks and charm.  He accurately represented both the pride and humility of the character as he moves through the story’s arch. The production value is very high. The special effects of the film were stunning and the beauty and wonder of Asgard was lavishly represented.   The plot was a bit weak, but the performances more than made up for any story short comings.