Title: Thor Director: Kenneth Branagh Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Studio: Paramount Pictures Genre(s): Action Rated:       (For sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence)

CONSUMER ADVICE

Parents, there is a fair amount of violence, but minor language and no sexual content. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

For a long time I’ve held the firm belief that superheros are this generations Greek mythology legends. They feature men (and occasionally a woman) who have supernatural powers, tragic pasts, and once in awhile their destinies intertwine with one another. Now we have “Thor,” which is a superhero movie that actually is based on some Greek mythology (don’t worry; it sort of makes my head spin too). The movie revolves around the title character (Chris Hemsworth) who is next in line to succeed Odin (Anthony Hopkins) as the king of Asgard. After his ceremony of passage is interrupted though, Thor takes his friends to the Casket of Ancient Winters and starts war with the Frost Giants, and putting innocent lives in both kingdoms at risk.

As punishment, Odin strips Thor of his powers and banishes him to Earth. It’s here he meets Jane (Natalie Portman), who he develops an unlikely friendship with. However he still yearns to be king and reclaim his stripped power. Problem is, his powerful hammer is being held captive by a organization known as S.H.E.I.L.D. Which is just as well, seeing that he can’t lift it anymore anyway. Up in Asgard Odin has fallen ill, and Thor’s brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has taken over the throne. While he is the main antagonist of the film, his motives for doing what he does is so complex and layered, that it takes the audience a long time to figure out where his morals truly lie.

Likewise, Thor himself seems like a two-dimensional tough guy when the movie begins, but goes through such a slow humbling of his spirit, that he’s a completely different person by the end of the film. Natalie Portman plays a different character then she played in her Oscar-winning role for “Black Swan,” but she does a decent job with what little she’s given. The stand out performances though are that of Anthony Hopkins and Tom Hiddleston. Hopkins brings his years of experience in theater and film to bring a Shakespearian presence to his role as Odin. Hiddleston may not be as well known, but his portrayal as the villainous brother is so good he puts most of the other actors to shame, and he very well may become a major star after this film.

The film is directed by Kenneth Branagh, who has previously directed many Shakespeare film adaptations like “Henry V” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” At first he seems like an odd choice to direct a superhero film, but I guess if a Academy Award-nominated director who’s known for Broadway musicals can direct a new installment in a famous “pirate” franchise, then Branagh can direct a movie based off a Marvel comic. Actually, despite how this must sound, Branagh directing “Thor” is as brilliant a directing choice as Ang Lee was when he was selected to direct “Hulk.” Considering the Shakespearean feel of the Thor series, Branagh is a perfect choice for this movie.

He directs the dialog scenes with the confidence of a elaborate stage production, actions sequences with a sharp eye for detail, and visual effects like he was a novelist visualizing his story. Hopefully he’ll return for the inevitable sequels that will follow this film. The film is being also released in 3D, but there’s a word of caution to that. I saw the film in an IMAX where the 3D was smooth and crisp. For some reason though a lot of regular 3D theaters have this dimming problem, so seeing it in a regular 3D showing could make the image too dark to see. The 3D effects are great and add much depth to the movie, but unless you see it on a bright enough screen the 2D version may be the preferred viewing choice this time around.

“Thor” joins “Spider-Man 2" and “Iron Man” as the best of the Marvel superhero movies. In terms of movies this is the best superhero movie since “The Dark Knight.” It’s a wake up call to other summer movies that a special effects filled movie that can be intelligent as well as exciting. It provides enough action sequences for the much coveted teen audience, but also provides some real depth for the adults who normally sit movie out until Oscar season roles around. Because it’s so ambitious I question how audiences are going to respond to it though. Well, if this film turns out to be too thought provoking for the summer crowd, I guess those people can wait for “Captain America” later this year and “Thor” can enjoy a great life as a cult classic on DVD.