Imperfect as this film is, I think it’s my favorite of the pre-Avengers movies. I know that the tone is sometimes jarringly uneven, the third-act fight isn’t anything to write home about, and, as far as love interests go, Jane can’t touch Pepper or the incredible Peggy, but I’m okay with it. I’ve talked before about Thor’s growth in this film, and that’s where this story really succeeds – weaving the ripe-for-drama tapestry of Thor’s world, his friends, and his family.
It isn’t the typical superhero movie, because Thor isn’t a superhero. He’s an alien, but not like any of the assorted species we meet in Guardians of the Galaxy. Thor is from Asgard, a warrior culture where magic and science are the same force, primitive societies worshipped his people as gods, and wormhole is the preferred mode of travel. He’s the eldest son of a king, and as such, his film tells a lofty story full of war, betrayal, ascendance, duty, and exile. It’s great to watch him mature from a brash, arrogant prince hungry for war into a future king sworn to protect those weaker than him.
One of the film’s biggest assets is of course Thor’s relationship with his brother Loki, the most memorable Marvel baddie to date, and they’re at their best here. Loki rises as Thor falls and vice versa, and despite everything that goes down, it’s obvious that Thor still loves Loki. This, by the way, helps Loki’s continued existence in the franchise make sense beyond his character’s popularity. I get why Thor is so conflicted about going up against Loki and never stops wanting to believe there may be a shred of good in him. (Side note: as much as he resents Thor, a manipulative trickster like Loki must love having Thor for a brother. He’s soruled by his emotions – easy to read, easier to exploit.)
Speaking of the silver-tongued one, it’s no secret that Loki is a stellar villain. His intricate manipulations are hugely entertaining to watch, and he makes an especially dangerous adversary for Thor, who, again, is susceptible to Loki’s tricks and is much more at home wailing on a foe than outsmarting them. This forces Thor to stretch and adapt, never a bad thing in my book.
And hey, maybe it’s a bit corny, but I get a kick out of the fish-out-of-water comedy during Thor’s time on Earth. Thor approaches his new surroundings with an amusing mix of defiance (ranting about his mightiness just before getting tazed,) rolling with the punches (demanding sustenance for his new “mortal form,”) and trying to fit square pegs into round Asgardian holes (trying to procure a horse from the pet store.) Given all the high drama going on with his family, it’s a nice way to defuse the tension now and again.
The acting is just fantastic. Marvel couldn’t have found anyone better than Chris Hemsworth or Tom Hiddleston. Hemsworth brings just the right combination of charisma, nobility, and fun to Thor, and Hiddleston is perfect as the scheming, tormented Loki. Jane is a rather thin character, but Natalie Portman brings what she can to the role, and both her sidekicks and Thor’s are engaging and well-played.
Warnings
Comic book violence, some drinking, and a little swearing.
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