thor

First things first – I admit, I have yet to see any of the Thor films at the cinema. No real explanation, it just is. When I do eventually catch them, however, I must admit that I quite enjoy them; Tony Stark sums up perfectly my sentiments in this clip:

I think because of the world (that of Nordic gods) they inhabit, reaching overtly theatrical heights is no major surprise. It is a tone set in motion by “Shakespearean auteur” Kenneth Branagh in the first Thor feature. In Thor: The Dark World, we are again thrust into both worlds (Earth and Asgard).

I will spare a detailed run down of the film’s events, but just know that there is a lot of plot and subplot going on.

In the end I have to admit, I was satisfactorily entertained. It is clear that the actors are comfortable with each other, as exhibited in their banter and exchange of dialogue. This rapport brings a levity that makes this comic book adaptation all the more enjoyable.

Or perhaps, just perhaps, my enjoyment of Thor has something to do with the fact that as a ‘standalone’ franchise in the larger Marvel MCU, I had set the bar of expectation pretty low. And I don’t mean it as slight. The ingredients for a well made motion picture are there: the high theater (that straddles the line of camp) combined with very capable talent yield positive results.

For me, the standout performance is Tom Hiddleston as the ‘villain’ Loki; there is another diabolical villain in the form of Christopher Eccleston – he’s quite fine too – but I digress. Serious when he needs to be and mischievous and plotting all other times, Hiddleston seems to be having a wonderful time in the role. And that makes US have a good time, too. It will be sad that we will not be seeing him for a while. At least that frees up the actor to entertain us in other films.

In the end, does this mean I will be seeing the third installment in the theaters? I have no idea at this point; but I am confident that regardless of the platform I choose to consume it in, Thor 3 will be a film to watch.

My rating: out of five hearts.

As something of a purist when it comes to screen adaptations of novels, comics, etc., I amazingly do not find myself too overcome with upset regarding the casting of Idris Elba in the Kenneth Branagh’s big screen version of “Thor.” My reasons are pretty basic and may not occur to many people that are not fully aware of the history of Mr. Branagh’s “creative casting.”

The example that immediately comes to my mind is kne of my favorite Shakespearean screen adaptations, “Much Ado About Nothing” in which Denzel Washington is cast as Prince John. Another example of Branagh’s naturally diverse casting choices is in the HBO adaptation of ” As You Like It,” in which David Oyelowo and Adrian Lester as featured performers. Furthermore, he has even shifted the setting of the play in this adaptation to turn-of-the-century Japan.

One final example that springs to mind in a film I have not seen in it’s entirety -Love’s Labours Lost”. This relatively young cast featured Adrian Lester (again) and Alicia Silverstone. One can argue that even his selection at various times of American actors in British productions is equally dubious. If anything, these casting decisions symbolize the non-tradiontional (NOT necessarily PC) process of combining star power with talent as Mr. Branagh sees it.

Film after all is the director’s domain; s/he is the creative force of its universe. And in the case of Kenneth Branagh, I would recommend that we wait until we see the finished profit before making any judgements.

Home Viewing – Thor: The Dark World (2013)

The Mighty Thor