Battle for love Unexpectedly undertook such a blockbuster director Kenneth Branagh managed to adequately present the story of powerful inhabitants of another world, between whom the passions are not alien to man are boiling. The history of the struggle for power, the history of re-education and correction, the classic conflict of fathers and children, as well as the conflict of two brothers, everything is excitingly intertwined, and a place for the theme of superheroes was found, which extremely successfully adapts everything that happens on the screen in one of the most popular modern trends in cinema.
The big budget allowed to fill the film with special effects, to recreate the grandiose and breathtaking Asgard, outer space, the world of ice giants and other impressive scenes. Equally valuable here I want to highlight both battle episodes and sweeping plastic panoramas. The eye rejoices from the diverse color, brightly playing colors depending on the terrain, and the imagination is struck by the scope of action.
Presented at the beginning of the film as narcissistic and reckless, Thor, the protagonist of the story, is banished by his father to Earth while his cunning and agile brother Loki makes plans to seize power. In general, the pleasantly predictable plot still has a couple of elegant aces up its sleeve, placing curious plot twists on the most climax points of the drama played. In general, this is a great merit of casting in the ability to brilliantly play their heroes, and present such a story in the most exciting way.
Chris Hamsworth turned out to be an ideal candidate for the role of Thor, he brilliantly copes with all the extremes and contradictions of character, perfectly acts out the long transformation of his hero’s beliefs during the film, leaving enough room for the knowledge of good and evil in the surrounding reality. And such perfect hits in the composition occur regularly.
Of course, Anthony Hopkins perfectly plays Odin, very emotionally carrying the temper and character of such a character through the whole picture, and then the key moments directing all the action. Natalie Portman and Kat Dennings add charm, grace and even humor to the picture. Not far behind them in charm and Jamie Alexander, who played the battle girlfriend of Thor named Sif. Idris Elba perfectly copes with the party of the cool Heimdall, presenting one of the brightest heroes of the epic plot. Well, among the characters of the picture will certainly be remembered and the trinity of warriors, and live armor – the Destroyer, as well as a scientist performed by Stellan Skarsgård and the ubiquitous agent Coulson.
The main villain can be discussed in more detail. Played Loki actor Tom Hiddleston subtly felt all the internal contradictions of his hero, elegantly embodying insidious plans in life, thinking through everything a few moves ahead. At the same time, the villainous part of the characters is successfully supported by the image of the king of the ice giants - the Yotuns. And surprisingly, both, although quite different in types, are not only villainous, but also filled with drama, reason and feelings.
Earthly love of Thor becomes an extremely important plot support for the further development of characters and events, and surprisingly, Portman’s heroine is in every possible way running for a steep belligerent swagger, and not vice versa. The role of a femme fatale in the fate of the hero was successful for Natalie by one hundred percent, and together with Hemsworth they look amazing screen couple, with a strong chemistry of a love motive, and at the same time perfectly fit each other.
The intense battle for love, truth and justice is unfolding on a planetary scale across multiple worlds, but it doesn’t seem crumpled or simplified. Some details of events may well cause questions and even bewilderment, but in its entirety everything is formed into a worthy and strong story about self-knowledge, love and true heroism.
Of course, talking about superheroes, and remembering John Favreau's films about the adventures of Iron Man, something more mundane, human and family is missing. When Tony Stark in his armor appeared before everyone in need of protection and heroic salvation, Thor for human trifles is not exchanged, only occasionally repeating pathetic phrases about innocent people and the protection of the weak. And when in the frame you want to see the thawed monasteries of the village from the prologue, flying cars stopped in front of the citizens and other debris from the Destroyer’s explosions, and other similar private rescues are completely irrelevant to the plot of the characters, Brana’s picture focuses on the personalities of the central characters and on action scenes exclusively between them.
As the film got bigger and more epic, it became less kind and less family-friendly than The Incredible Hulk and both parts of Iron Man. For all its fantasy and even mythological, squeezed into the framework of the scientific world, Thor struggles to maintain a serious and severe face. And that's probably his biggest drawback. Having become not as entertaining as serious and military, such a movie loses a certain zest. And being diluted with quite successful jokes, a beautiful love line and at the same time a bunch of Easter eggs, geek moments and references to the “Avengers” (including a cameo of Hawkeye / Hawkeye performed by the now popular Jeremy Renner), despite all the colorfulness, powerful casting with emotional acting out of heroes, and other advantages, this comic book lacks more vivid heroism, penetrating and catching.
To find fault with the little things like the fact that Thor is only in one brief scene in the helmet, Frigg is completely undisclosed, deprived of screen time and plot role, or that Stan Lee’s cameo again cost a couple of seconds without a single phrase, still do not want to. Asgard is as beautiful as Disneyland, but there are far fewer outdoor views than interior displays. The costumes are beautiful and qualitatively made, but all these artifacts, weapons and armor do not often find a worthy use in the plot.
A beautiful explanation of interplanetary leaps, the history of Scandinavian mythology and the structure of the modern world among other worlds, is addictive to viewing. Surprisingly successfully inscribed in the movie universe concept of the world, without much trouble, but with a small scale, allows you to expand the pantheon of superheroes to almost a living god in the flesh. And it’s wonderful, Thor must look decent in the “Avengers”, but only with the not the best final outcome of the picture, such a return causes many questions and remains an unpleasant residue after watching. But positive emotions add, which has already become a tradition, the scene after the credits, giving a volley of even more interest in the subsequent comics of Marvel Studios.
It turned out a very good and spectacular film, which could have become a masterpiece in good hands and under the right adaptation. It is necessary to watch, even if not only the original comics were not held in their hands, but they are not familiar with Scandinavian mythology. The film should appeal to a mass audience and fans of high-profile, high-quality blockbusters. With its large timekeeping, a string of events taking place on the screen, bright heroes and diverse battles, sweeps through in one breath and, looking at the fascinating space design of the credits, I really want a speedy continuation!
8 IZ 10
Original