Day 72: "Someday I will make you proud."

Kenneth Branagh has successfully brought another superhero from the Marvel stable to the screen.  Thor is another in a loose series of films introducing the Avengers individually prior to the film coming out next year.  The "Marvelized" origin of the Norse god is well told, as the filmmakers went to past writers of the comic book series (including Walt and Louise Simonson and J. Michael Straczynski) to flesh out his robust history.  Most origin movies would not have gone to the extent of including Sif and The Warriors Three in this movie, but a much larger chunk of Asgardian history is included without sacrificing anything from the main tale.  Lots of fun from the start, the action and fights are sufficiently grandiose, Asgard is full of slplendor (although, I would have preferred it to be more....Norse), and Earth is, as always, in need of protection.  My main issue, is what I would call the use of "Tavern Morality."  One of my co-workers called it "Pancake Morality," but they are essentially the same.  In a nutshell, "Tavern Morality" is the exact moment in a movie when the hero realizes that he/she has to do the right thing, because it is the right thing to do, thereby breaking the selfish behavior they have demonstrated all movie.  This also, 9 times out of 10 takes place in a bar (in the case of Thor: at breakfast).  I understand realization occurs suddenly, but at least give us a clue it's coming.

The cast is wonderful as well.  Chris Hemsworth 'roided up nicely to play Thor (joking!!!) and gives the God a nice sense of humanity.  Natalie Portman, well, we all know she can act, but her character is a bit two dimensional here.  Anthony Hopkins is Odin, American newcomer Tom Hiddleton is wicked as Loki, and Clark Gregg returns as intrepid S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Coulson.

Worth seeing in theaters, Thor captures the epic tendencies of the Marvel hero without sacrificing story in the process.  Also, stick around after the credits, as Marvel hero movies continue their predilection for a short teaser at the very end.  see it and have fun!  8.5/10

See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!