Thor: Blu Ray Review
Thor Blu Ray
Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent
So the Marvel universe continues its cinematic attempts to take
over - this time with some help from a buffed up dude from Home and
Away and a guy more likely to be known for Shakespeare.
Chris Hemsworth plays Thor, a Norse god, who on the eve of his
coronation as king is banished to Earth from Asgard by his father
Odin (Anthony Hopkins) after he instigates an attack on the Frost
Giants, a race with whom the Asgardians have been living in peace
for years.
Dumped in New Mexico, Thor's found by Natalie Portman's scientist
Jane Foster. Convinced he needs to return to Asgard, Thor attempts
to regain his mythic hammer (the source of his power) from a SHIELD
facility. But when he finds his powers have deserted him, Thor
resigns himself to a life on earth.
However, back in Asgard, political machinations are afoot and
Thor's brother Loki (a brilliantly reptilian Tom Hiddleston) moves
on the throne, prompting Thor's friends to try and bring him
back....
Spectacularly epic, utterly engrossing and surprisingly funny, Thor
is perhaps one of the best blockbusters in a while. Mixing
Shakespearean motifs such as family betrayal, mistrust and revenge,
it's clear to see why Kenneth Branagh was attracted to this.
Hemsworth impresses as the petulantly arrogant god and Hopkins is
suitably majestic as the regal Odin; each injecting their
characters with the humanity and hubris needed of gods. Equally
impressive is Hiddleston who brings the requisite element of
mistrust to Loki that you're never quite sure whose side he's
actually on - or what his motives truly are.
If there's to be a small quibble, it's that Portman and her team of
scientists are a little underdeveloped - and the wonderful Kat
Dennings is sidelined as simply comic relief.
Thor's a great intro to the character ahead of the release of next
year's Avengers.
Extras: Commentary by Branagh, deleted scenes, featurettes - a fair
bunch
Rating: 8/10
