Thor

Thor, the first big movie of summer 2011 is an over-sized super-hero epic that is really nothing more than a prelude for next summer's Avengers movie.

The problem with all first films in a super-hero series is that they must establish the origins of the character. This material always seems to drag down the movie as it delays the audience from the main action. That's why films such as Superman II (1980) and Spider-Man 2 (2004) are much better films than the original.

The first thirty minutes of Thor are a ponderous, special effects laden back story telling us why Thor has been banished to earth. The next hour is excellent entertainment as the hero adjusts to being on earth, encounters humans and attempts to return to the mythical land of Asgard. Unfortunately the last thirty minutes are spent back in Asgard as Thor must fight to prevent his world from being consumed by war in another round of special effects battles.

I was fully aware of the special effects and CGI work in the movie. Not because they are bad, in fact they are quite good. It's just that the real scenes in the movie between Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Natalie Portman as Jane Foster worked so well and had a nice touch of realism that the realm of Asgard truly felt make believe.

Seeing Natalie Portman I was also reminded how good CGI effects can be used to tell a story, like they were in The Black Swan, and how over used they are in this movie.

Director Kenneth Branagh had little choice. The story of Thor required the creation of the world of Asgard and it is done very well. Exotic costumes that have their roots in Norse legend, towering spires and Anthony Hopkins, regal as the father of all gods, Odin.

Hemsworth does an excellent job as the mighty Thor. First arrogant with a lust for battle and later humbled by the goodness of humans, Hemsworth fully embodies the god of thunder. Portman as a scientist who stumbles upon Thor in the desert and later falls for him, plays the female side kick very well.

Another strong turn is Tom Hiddleston as Thor's step-brother Loki. He has a lean and hungry look and the moment you see him you know he will be up to no good. Unfortunately that indicates another of the films weaknesses, a lack of creative writing. As adventure stories go it is pretty straight forward and by the numbers. Which again makes the CGI battles un-engaging. There is no real sense of danger or menace. Even the final scene, when the giant Destroyer is sent to earth to kill Thor, the scene lacks menace. Perhaps because it is such a small town there is no real sense of destruction, or perhaps because even with all the explosions and people flying no one seems to get hurt.

Clark Gregg as S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Phil Coulson returns and has an even bigger role in Thor. I have been a fan of Gregg's since he played an FBI agent on The West Wing and look forward to seeing him again in The Avengers.

Samuel L. Jackson as Agent Nick Fury and Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton / Hawkeye have uncredited cameos.

Thor has left me with mixed feelings. I wish the beginning and end were more inspiring had an emotional impact, but I really enjoyed the middle of the film, so for those of you who love big, fun summer popcorn movies go see Thor. For those of you who are bored by special effects laden films, skip it.

At The Movie House rating **1/2 stars