MCU Filmathon: Thor

We move onto the arrogant son of Odin. When I heard Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and his luscious locks of hair had a movie coming out in 2011 it got me so excited! It meant elements of mythology and magic were being added to Marvel films and something new could be incorporated. Thor, the heir to the Throne of Asgard is also brother to Loki (Tom Hiddleston) who is younger and lives in the shadow of Thor. When he tries to step out Thor shakes his hair and keeps Loki in the dark!

But when an incident occurs that threatens peace between the Asgardians and the Frost Giant of

Jotenheim, Thor takes it upon himself with his friends to put them in their place. But his attempt results in all out war, his banishment and his brother ascending the throne after forcing Odin into an eternal slumber. So we already have a different plot compared to the other first Marvel movies, as Stark fights his own creation in his debut movie and Bana battles Abomination basically Hulk on steroids. Thor is different in the way that it includes Loki, the main antagonist more and is the first villain we really get to know. For the sake of the narrative and being a massive edition to the MCU, Loki is involved so much and is enjoyable to watch. Hiddleston nails the character and always produces a stand out performance when he's Loki, playing the part of the jealous brother well!

Chris Hemsworth also produces a great performance as Thor, this is shown better when he is banished to Earth and lives among mortals. He shows his understanding of humans but doesn't quite

understand some of the advancements in technology humans have made. Creating some cheap humour to show that he's a 'fish out of water'. It also means we grow closer to Thor himself and that is shown in more depth when he fights his way to the crash site of Mjolnir and fails to lift the hammer because he's not yet worthy. We feel sympathy for him and this also marks the turning point for Thor as he begins to change his ways. The transition from arrogant Thor to humble Thor is obvious throughout. Using Natalie Portman's character, Jane Foster, who acts almost like a guide for Thor (and a love interest) as she helps him change as a person.. I mean God!

The Visual Effects are mostly good, Asgard looks astonishing and is by far the best piece of CGI in this film. However the Destroyer was less than it was made out to be, not only were the graphics a little underwhelming when it made its way to Earth but it wasn't as impressive as I had hoped. Perhaps the scene was a little anticlimactic in a way where is attacked the little town they were in, but things picked up when Thor became worthy of his title and proved he really is the God of Thunder!

Although I really enjoy the movie and the story is far more open compared to other films in the MCU.

But the film barely takes focus on Asgard and the people in it. We don't know what the Asgardian community is like because so much of the movie is based on Earth. Do they just attend Banquets and feasts whenever there is one? But also the only one who is not a member of Odin's dynasty that actually works is Heimdall the Bifrost Guardian. Played by Idris Elba who gets more screen time than expected also turns out to be one of the best characters in the movie with his ability to see everything that goes on!

Whilst the storyline is a little predictable and elements are underwhelming, this film proves to be different in the way that it opens up to magic and Nordic Mythology, extending the limits at which the MCU can stretch. Hemsworth and Hiddleston own the stage when they show up and prove themselves as worthy actors to play two of the biggest parts in Marvel. You could say Hiddleston doesn't make a 'Loki' performance ;).  Watching this film after the first three MCU movies it is easy to see why the premise for this film is different and carefully laid out (only slightly better than Iron Man). Although it isn't quite as game changing to superhero films but that's not an issue considering its early days for Thor!

Join me next time with Captain America: The First Avenger
Thanks for Reading! :)