The need to overcome the natural stigma attached to the notion of ‘geek-kid’ comics combined with the need to stay true to the narrative and allegory of the literature itself makes crafting a contemporary comic book adaptation a difficult beast for film-makers to pitch. With this in mind let it be said that Thor’s first outing would be hard pressed to have pitched itself better.
The story follows the cosmic and earth-bound trials and tribulations of the Thunder God Thor and like much comic-book fare the movie is a coming of age drama that tugs at the heartstrings as well as being gift wrapped in a quite magnificent package to boot.
Much has been said of Kenneth Branagh’s role as director so it’s best to get this obligatory useless piece of ‘controversial’ bait out of the way first. If one looks at the narrative and character arc of the comic, and subsequent film, a man involved almost exclusively with Shakespearean cultural heritage appears really to be the most logical of choices. With Thor’s focus on dynastic family turmoil, moralistic transitions, exile and commentaries on the right of power Branagh finds himself in familiar territory. He injects a palpable sense of Shakespearean drama and spirit, converting this from a set-up character movie to a spectacular grandiose feature.
Thor was always going to be one of the hardest of the Avengers team to adapt into a standalone feature. The God of Thunder being already one of Marvel’s most complex and rich characters and his existence as actual god rather than disgruntled-human-turned-kick-ass provides a further challenge. Without being able to invoke the before and after recipe favourite for super-hero origin tales, such as this, Branagh and his cast have had to mould a long-standing mythical legacy that wouldn’t undermine the accessibility of the overall feature.
In this respect Thor goes straight for the jugular, grabbing you by the throat and not letting go. Telling mythic past and conflicted present at a breakneck rate and never failing to feel less than grand epic. This back-story is artistically and fluidly handled with its necessity not compromising the narrative of the film. Indeed the two are cleverly weaved together to create key points of intersection. Asgard’s past and Thor’s present run parallel, with each catalysing more knowledge of the other.
With a brief opening in New Mexico the attention shifts to the heavens and the construction of an incredibly believable and wonderfully immersive Asgardian realm. This is digital construction at its best and unprecedented in the comic-book film genre. With Marvel’s other superheroes being rooted in gritty social and political realism this is a welcome jump into staggering spectacle. One can hope that with DC’s Batman finding his niche in dark and brooding Marvel’s Thor can prosper in beauty and light.
The family feud dynamic plays out with thunderous character and momentum. Odin (Anthony Hopkins), overbearing authoritarian father, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), enthusiastic but reckless warrior, and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Machiavellian duplicitous trickster, clash like titans in a surprisingly emotional way. There’s no doubt this is a family and indeed one not so far removed from reality if you just omit the thunder and lightning. With a hefty sense of empathy, affinity and wonder instilled in the audience Branagh and co move onto lighter fare.
With the gravitas and spectacle being handled above there’s room for heart and humour to be handled below. With the titular hero’s crash down to Earth a new, more nuanced aspect of the film emerges. With the audience still struggling to get their jaws back in place due to excellent blockbuster action it’s then expected to be able to laugh; and laugh you shall mere mortal!
Thor’s interloper in New Mexico act proves to be thoroughly entertaining. With language and custom foreign his decision to behave as arrogant god is natural and understandable but also proves to be very entertaining and demonstrably tongue in cheek. Hemsworth proves himself to have talent in spades. From big guns to acting chops and comical timing the leading man really transcends the character, keeping the audience engaged and rooting throughout his transformation.
As the story unravels it proves to be even more Shakespearean than your most vivid midsummer night’s dream. The lack of a comic book caricature villain and instead the emphasis on understanding the subjectivity of individual action evokes the same hollow feeling that must be accompanying the Asgard royal family in the closing scenes. In effect there are no villains, as such; only different ways of being a hero. However, Hiddleston plays his part so deceptively well you’ll be left conflicted in your final judgement.
The magnitude of the male performances in the cosmos is juxtaposed nicely with two quite down to earth and affecting female performances. Natalie Portman as Jane Foster makes for a believable scientist and love interest and Kat Dennings, as assistant, for an unfazed too cool for school identity bridge for a younger generation. Even Skarsgard, rounding out the hapless troop as Jane’s mentor, adds to the humour with a particularly symbolic scene were his scientist figure attempts to out-drink a god, a brief commentary that will be missed by many.
Thor achieves autonomous credibility. Unlike past Marvel outings like X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Iron Man 2 it in no way falls victim to becoming a trailer for its future summer blockbuster teammates. An Avengers oblivious movie-goer will miss the understated references to other members of the gang; perfectly judged to make those in the know hungry for more and to pass by those that couldn’t know less. Thor is the only star of this film and for one film at least he feels to be the only star of this extended universe. What’s more with a movie this good you might not mind it if it stayed that way.
Verdict
Absolutely packed with epicness and spectacle for its less than 2 hour running time. Engaging performances, grand action and a compelling narrative give this excellent blockbuster a hammering heart. It is the most entertaining Marvel movie to date.
4/5
