The summer blockbusters are finally starting to roll in. Thor is the first one to drag me to the theater. And it wasn't bad.
Probably the biggest downside is the fact that Thor is one of the lamest superheroes I've ever come across. Generic villains. Very few interesting characters.
The best part is casting for the lead role. Chris Hemsworth has little acting experience, but he plays the egotistical meathead/wise heir to the throne to perfection.
Also, the breathtaking visuals of his realm and the others rival any other films of its kind. The grand architecture and color schemes made a would-be-average blockbuster slightly better.
Two things that could have been improved were the mediocre writing and direction. There were some witty lines, but most of the dialogue was unoriginal. Plus, the director did nothing to help this. Kenneth Branagh is known for his work on Shakespearean films which are character-driven. He didn't concentrate on developing the individuals. And the writers and director both failed to show character progression of each from the beginning to the end. Thor changed from mighty warrior to sensitive Man of the House on a dime.
Natalie Portman, who was last seen in her Oscar-winning role in Black Swan, wasn't given much to work with.
With all that said, I still enjoyed it. It wasn't great, nor did I expect it to be. But there are many worse ways to spend a Saturday afternoon.
The blockbuster season's off to a decent start.
Grade: B
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