Thor 3D

I must say, it did feel fitting seeing Thor on Thursday what with it being his day and all. Just think, after this one, there's Captain America then the one we've all been waiting for.. The Avengers. Till then, it's time to brush up on Norse mythology.
Kenneth Branagh, this century's reincarnation of William Shakespeare himself, might seem like a weird choice to direct the latest Marvel flick to hit the screens but then he's also a great choice. Shakespeare is full to the brim of sons overthrowing their fathers, tales of power and corruption, mighty Kings and magical worlds. The writer's credits on imbd.com are almost long enough to fill this blog... pre-production problems? Time for a role call... we have Ashley Miller (Fringe, Sarah Connar Chronicles), Zack Stentz (Fringe, Sarah Connar Chronicles), Don Payne (The Simpsons, Fantastic Four 2), as screenwriters, story credits go to J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5), and Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend) and a big shout out to Marvel peeps Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby.
Thor, God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth - fellow Aussie and Captian Kirk's frikken dad) is banished from Asgard by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins - The Rite) after Thor and his homies invade the world of the Frost Giants (think Smurfs on steroids) lead by big blue meanie Laufey (Colm Feore - Titus). The Frost Giants want their magical casket back so they broke into Asgard to take it... with a little help from the inside.
Brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston - Wallander) isn't too happy that Thor is next in line to the throne but is happy when Odin kicks Thor out of home.
Astrophysicist Jane (Natalie Portman - Black Swan) literally runs into Thor when she, and fellow scientists Professor Andrews (Stellan Skarsgard - Angels and Demons) and political scientist Darcy (Kat Dennings - Defendor) are out in the desert of New Mexico studying strange phenomena in the skies.
Thor loses his hammer, Mjolnir, which becomes a local attraction much like King Arthur's sword in the stone. That is, until the Feds show up, but not just any feds... S.H.I.E.L.D. lead by Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg - Iron Man).Odin has put a curse on it and only one with a true heart can pluck it from the rock.
The battle between deities is brought to Earth as havoc reigns down from the sky in the form of a different kind of Iron Man, will Thor get his trusty hammer back in time or will everyone be toast?
This was all kinds of awesome. I will be using that word a lot from now. I saw it in 3D - definitely the way to go with this one. Is it Marvel's first 3D flick? I do believe so. They've done a cracking job. The golden city of Asgard looked absolutely glorious and the rainbow bridge was... awesome! There was a distinct Superman 2 feel as Thor's Warriors Three (plus one) stroll into town which is weird coz that is DC, right?
Costume designer Alexandra Byrne has made some exquisite outifts - she was also responsible for the gorgeous costumes in Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet. And, her name is down for The Avengers flick - can't wait to see what she does there!
It was very much a 'getting to know you, getting to know all about you' kind of film. Which is fine, I haven't read any Thor comics so these pre-Avenger flicks are a great way for the likes of me to know who the main players are.
You'll have to be quick to spot Stan Lee!
P.S - stay till after the credits for some sneaky Avenger-ey stuff!
Things I learnt: Rene Russo is still looking swell; don't mistake appetite for apathy; always build a spare if you're gonna build something swanky and expensive.
Thor-oughly good stuff.
Eight out of ten.