The god of Thunder has finally nailed it and let’s be honest, I think we’re all the better for it.
Long awaited, desperately anticipated desired by many, Thor is the film that Marvel needed to adapt as it achieves everything it needs to without the drama, the trite acting or the overblown length of some of its previous projects.
Who do we blame? Shockingly, it may be Kenneth Branaugh, an actor/director who will likely chosen for his Shakespearean leaning, has paired the fat off this film making it simple, fun and packed for enough ab shots, cheap jokes and CGI to appeal to absolutely everyone.
Chris Hemsworth plays a perfect Thor, big, blond and prone to overlong pronouncements. He also plays it so innocent that when he walks into a pet store asking for a horse to ride, you feel the slight tinge of sympathy before howling with laughter.
The rest of the cast works it too. Anthony Hopkins is Anthony Hopkins, immediately bringing cred to the film. Natalie Portman is surprisingly low key but just right. Kat Dennings works a teaser like no tomorrow to great effect and even Stellen Skarsgard, seemingly hired as the token Scandinavian seems to be having fun.
It’s a winner, something you’d hope for from the god of Thunder. Now, what about this Avengers movie, eh Stan?