Last week, I published an article on one of the most underrated films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, "The Incredible Hulk". If you read closely, you'll notice I said ONE OF the most underrated films. This week, I would like to take the time to recognize another one of the superhero movies that is not as well received as it should be. That entry is called "Thor", released back in 2011.
On Rotten Tomatoes, "Thor" is a certified fresh tomato with a critical score of 77% and the average rating is 6.7 out of 10. I'm not sure if it's just me, but whenever I see ratings like these, I tend to see them as mediocre scorings. Nonetheless, "Thor" is another film that defies critical ratings. Although the character of Thor appeared in live action media in "The Incredible Hulk" TV series decades ago, this the first film adaptation depicting the popular comic book character and it absolutely does not disappoint.
Thor, who is the crown prince of Asgard, is set to be crowned king of Asgard. However, after causing difficulties between the Frost Giants and Asgardians, the opportunity slips away from him. In addition, he loses his powers (one of them being the ability to carry Mjolnir) and is banished to Earth by his father Odin. Through this plot, we can see an amazing example of the cost that impatience and arrogance can have, and we can also see how well these character traits of Thor are portrayed. Had Thor not possessed such characteristics, the plot and conflict would be completely different.
This set of events creates even more conflict inside, where we also see an example of family dilemma that actually continues well into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When Thor's adoptive brother Loki discovers the truth about his origins (he is actually a Frost Giant who is Laufey's son), he plots to seize the throne of Asgard for himself and potentially do some serious damage, like destroying the Bifrost Bridge. We can see how dreadful Loki's ruling is when Sif and the Warriors Three end up persuading Heimdall, the gatekeeper of the Bifrost, to give them permission to travel to Earth to try to rescue Thor and stop Loki. Here, we get a sense of how emotional this film really can be which creates a power for the film and hits audiences well. Loki now feels so betrayed and separated from his adoptive family. Brothers that were once so close with a strong bond are now enemies fighting for the one thing the both of them want so bad. Also, both of these characters change throughout the course of the film. It's almost as if they flip flop. At first, Thor is kind of seen as the bad guy because of his actions in the rising action, but towards the climax, his perspectives change and he ultimately realizes that it was right not to crown him as the king of Asgard. Then, we have Loki, who is the real bad guy having difficulty accepting the truth and making things worse for everyone else.
Because of the setting which is almost like those of medieval English literature, it is clear that Kenneth Branagh was an excellent choice to direct "Thor". Branagh is the director of many live action adaptations of Shakespeare plays, so he has some sense of what to include in a world like Asgard. Cast members such as Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston also absolutely stole the show as Thor and Loki respectively, both physically and emotionally; they both portrayed unique versions of the comic book characters that fit in so well with the sense that the film was adapting. While it is unfortunate that she did not last through the entire "Thor" trilogy, Natalie Portman excelled portraying Jane, Thor's love interest who is absolutely fascinated with him and how he came to be on Earth. Long time and well known actor Anthony Hopkins was also a notable cast member in playing the patriarchal role of Odin. Let's not forget the cameo appearance of Jeremy Renner playing Clint Barton/Hawkeye; I'm sure a lot of people first seeing the movie back in 2011 didn't even realize that that was going to be the Hawkeye seen in "The Avengers" the following year.
It's also important to recognize how well the film shifts back and forth between Earth and Asgard, as well as the transitions Thor goes through with his powers. Asgard looks absolutely stunning with its CGI effects considered, and some of the characters from Asgard that don't exactly look like humans came out pretty well too. When on Earth, the action continues and a sense of Asgard remains, but Thor is also a good character when trying to live a more ordinary life. Things become most epic when the Destroyer arrives and causes havoc.
"Thor" introduces one of the pieces of the Avengers so well. It's unfortunate that its sequel, "Thor: The Dark World" didn't do as well, but "Thor" still begins a story of a prince who is determined to take the throne of the world of Asgard while saving a completely different one multiple times. I get it, Thor isn't from Earth and he does not exactly intend to be a superhero. But that's the thing - that's what has always made Thor a unique comic book character, and his first film adaptation is one that should not be forgotten.
