Review: Thor

I walked into the movie theater having no previous knowledge of the comic book hero that is Thor. I simply watched the trailers and found myself interested. I do enjoy comic book movies, and figured that in order to jump on the upcoming Avengers movie bandwagon, I needed to make it a point to see all of the films leading up to said future blockbuster.

Thor is one of those films that tends to suck you in. Just as the first three minutes go by and you find yourself asking, "Am I going to like this movie?", all of a sudden it's at the closing credits and your wishing it kept going. Unlike fellow future-Avenger Iron Man, Thor requires a more open mind and a willingness to accept that while it isn't plausible, it sure as heck is entertaining.

Directer Kenneth Branagh does three things very well with this film: (1) he properly balances the other-worldly elements of Thor's character and history with the more relatable earthly elements,(2) he keeps the momentum going, and (3) he keeps the characters focused on the situation at hand. Even in quiet moments between Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Jane (Natalie Portman), it furthers their relationship and strengthens each characters purpose without sacrificing the pace of the plot.

And speaking of the characters, let me just take a minute to comment on the great cast. Thor is a character who could very easily become nothing more than a hulking beefcake that smashes things with a large hammer. Luckily, Chris Hemsworth plays Thor as the dynamic character he is, allowing audiences follow his transition from an arrogant would-be king, to a man dealing with his mistakes. Natalie Portman's Jane is lovable as all Portman characters generally are. Some would consider Jane to simply be the straight man to Thor's antics, but Portman brings a subtle bit of depth to Jane that makes her far less flat a character than another actor playing Jane could tend to make her. And then there's the great Anthony Hopkins as Odin, who is one of those actors who can just show up and do a good job and never really fail the character he plays.

I enjoyed this film. Like I said before, it takes a willingness to open up your imagination and appreciate it for what it is. Thor is well directed and well cast, and even hosts some of the most visually stunning scenes in any action/sci-fi film I've seen in quite a while. The sound design is brilliant, and could potentially become an Oscar contender for sound editing. The pace keeps your adrenaline going, and coupled with it's stunning visual effects, it sort of envelops you in the action as a well-made action movie should. It even caused a few guys sitting near us to yell out profanities in a sort-of "go get 'em!" type manner. Also, be sure a stay until after the credits for a fun little Avengers Easter Egg...



Photo & Fact Credits: imdb.com

An Oldie but a Goodie: Sunset Boulevard

It's a Saturday afternoon and you're planning on staying in the for the evening. You know you want to rent a movie and sit on the couch in your pajamas, but you can't quite decide what you're in the mood to watch. I suggest you take my advice and rent Sunset Boulevard. It's a classic film that won three Academy Awards and is considered by many to be one of the best films of all time. If you're not one to choose a black-and-white oldie, this is a perfect time and a perfect film to start with. A film about Hollywood and its toll on one of its former shining stars (played chillingly by the late great Gloria Swanson), Sunset takes your assumptions about what it was like during the "Golden Age" of Hollywood and turns it on its head. The film is fascinatingly modern in its themes, cinematically stunning, and is incredibly well-acted. Sunset Boulevard is well deserving of your Saturday night.



Photo Credit: moviezeal.com
Fact Credits: imdb.com