Thor brings on the thunder this summer

CEBU, Philippines - With consecutive Hollywood blockbusters hitting Philippine cinemas every week starting with this movie, “Thor” sets the tone for what could be three straight months of cinematic bliss. If you love watching well-made superhero movies, then this one’s definitely a must watch.

Before Thor (Chris Hemsworth) becomes a superhero and member of the The Avengers he is first a proud warrior of the realm of Asgard. He and his brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), are the two sons of King Odin (Anthony Hopkins) who rules over the entire realm.

Both sons are heirs to the throne, but Thor is favoured because of his strength, confidence, and natural leadership skills. Unfortunately, Thor’s arrogance and thirst for battle leads to his banishment from Asgard and his exile to live among mortals on earth. He is also stripped of his mighty hammer and all the powers it gives him.

Meanwhile, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and her team of scientists are studying the supposed occurrence of strange weather patterns and constellation changes. They accidentally graze Thor with their van while getting video footage of such an occurrence. The exiled god is now hospitalized, but quickly recovers. And so the story of how the god of thunder became one of earth’s greatest heroes begins.

One of the most important decisions a director makes when filming a superhero movie is choosing a performer to play the superhero role or roles. Director Kenneth Branagh’s choice of Chris Hemsworth to play Thor was a huge risk. While famous in Australia, this actor was a newcomer to American cinema. However, the decision paid-off in the end.

From his muscular physique, to his powerful voice, his confident swagger, to his intense gaze, no actor could have portrayed the god of thunder better than this man. As evident from the reactions of the women in the audience when he first appeared in the movie, Chris Hemsworth just exudes machismo.

And who better to play the love interest of our manly hero than Natalie Portman? This multi-award winning actress needs no introduction. With her portrayal of the smart and sassy Jane Foster, she proves yet again that she is an all-around excellent performer.

The romance between the two is well developed. From the first time they meet till they fall in love with each other, their blossoming romance is completely riveting. And yet it’s not just the lead performers who keep this movie exciting.

An entire cast of performers from Anthony Hopkins who plays Odin to Tom Hiddleston who plays Loki electrify the movie. Odin’s relationship with his children and the sibling rivalry between the two will play a huge role in the movie as well.

To complement the cast’s strong performance in this movie, the production values for “Thor” are just as spectacular. No expense has been spared in making the realm of Asgard the magically detailed and breathtaking home of the gods.

While I’m sure this movie looks impressive in 2D, it’s definitely worth the extra cash to watch it in 3D. Unlike in most modern movies shot in what has become a dirty word for many moviegoers, there isn’t just one or two moments where blades or deadly projectiles come popping out at you. This movie doesn’t need such cheap thrills because every scene – both on Asgard and on earth – is just beautifully rendered in 3D.

Another enjoyable aspect of this movie is how the story plays out. As someone who is unfamiliar with the history of Thor, both as a mythological character and as a Marvel superhero, I never found myself lost or confused at any point in the movie. And by the end of it all, I came out of the theatre wanting to know more about the god of thunder.

Viewers expecting a movie filled with one action sequence after another may find themselves disappointed. But most viewers will appreciate the balance between story and action, seriousness, and good humor – all made possible through skilled directing.

Known more recently for directing award-winning or nominated movies such as “Sleuth” (2007), “As You Like It” (2006), and “The Magic Flute” (2006), director Kenneth Branagh once again shows his expertise by bringing life and meaning to one of Marvel’s most famous and well-loved superheroes.

If you are undecided about which Hollywood blockbuster to watch this summer, there’s no need to wait. Thor’s bringing on the thunder!