As the Alphabet Challenge begins to approach the final few days, we’re taken to the Marvel Universe for ‘T’ – ‘Thor’.
In this 2011 comic book action tale, we are transported from Eath into the land of Asgard and a tale based comics set in Norse Mythology.
Where brothers Thor (played by Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), have grown up as sons as Odin (Anthony Hopkins) – the all father and King of Asgard. Odin once waged war on the Frost Giants of Jotunheim and when victorious established an era of peace in the 9 realms. As he left the Frost Giants, he took the ‘Casket of the Ancient Winters’ – the source of their power.
Meanwhile on Earth, a small group of scientists including Dr Jane Fisher (played by Natalie Portman) have been researching the phenomenon that is how Thor was banished to Earth.
The film tells the story of Thor on Earth attempting to regain both his hammer and his place in Asgard as future King, and of Loki as he attempts to position himself as the King in the now absence of his brother.
This film is based on the stories of the Marvel comics, and is considered the 4th film in the money making behemoth that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Following Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, and Iron Man 2). This was a key film in the universe in laying the foundations for the beyond Earth nature of the battle in the Avengers.
Beyond its need as a piece within the broader group of films however, it also works well as a standalone film. The film was directed by Kenneth Branagh . Camera angles throughout reflect the comic book history of the film. It strikes an enjoyable balance of action, story , character development, and humour but also succeeds in ticking all of the books that the wider universe narrative require of it (introducing future characters, back story for future motivations etc etc).
It was operating with the best cast so far in the set of films featuring not only the already mentioned cast but with supporting roles from Rene Russo, Idris Elba, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaimie Alexander and Clark Gregg.