THOR

Thor, The God Of Thunder, has arrived from the realm of Asgard as one of Earth’s finest defenders. If you follow Marvel comics, Thor is an Avenger, but a little bit more on that later.

Marvel Studios has released a wonderful exhilarating experience directed by Kenneth Branagh and staring Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman and Tom Hiddleston.

The adventure begins with Jane Foster (Portman, “Your Highness”, “Black Swan”)as a scientist who is on to something. Along with her fellow scientists Andrew (Stellan Skarsgard and Darcy (Kat Dennings), they are out on one of their desert outings, when the sky opens up and Thor falls to Earth.

Now for all the questions, Who is Thor? And how did he get here? Well, King Odin (Hopkins) narrates us up to par and explains what Asgard is (one of nine Kingdoms) and how he as King stopped the frost giants from turning Earth into a giant ice cube. He has two sons Thor and Loki (Tom Hiddleston, from 2009′s “Star Trek”) who both want to become King one day but only one will be able to lift the hammer (the Mjolnir). Swearing in time comes but before that is completed, the frost giants invade Asgard but are quickly stopped.

But Thor being an arrogant warrior, defies his father’s wishes and goes on a revenge mission. His actions banish him to Earth with the hammer to follow. Only a worthy warrior can lift the hammer. He meets Jane and as she tells Thor her research has been stolen by agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) for their own research. Thor attempts to get it back but when he was cast to Earth, his powers were neutralized and he is just as vulnerable as any one else on Earth. But boy can the man put down some food and beer as the bar scene was a nice addition.

Thor’s friends Asgard friends plan on getting him back so the gate keeper to the wormhole, Heimdall (Idris Elba), sends them to Earth to retrieve Thor. But it isn’t that easy. The frost giants are up to no good and not only that, but Loki has his own plans to become King. The mix gets interesting and we have an action packed flick that of course is filled with drama, comedy and special effects.

It all works and everything moves along just fine without rushing us or leaving a whole lot out, as we have time to get acquainted with the characters. Stellan Skarsgard and Tom Hiddleston keep this film grounded and well in tact with the first Spiderman and Iron Man who are along with Thor, as I mentioned earlier, Avengers which we will see in theaters this July. Captain America leads the Avengers and his introduction is forthcoming as well. Just follow the Marvel Comic book series and it will all come together for you.

The Chemistry between Portman and Hemsworth was very natural. And speaking of Portman, what isn’t she in anymore? This film delivers as much action as you wish for because if you want to see Thor fight with his Mjolnir, you won’t be disappointed. This is the year for comic book adaptations and Marvel/Paramount are off to a thundering start with The God Of Thunder. Everything from the rainbow bridge in Asgard to the scenery on Earth and is fantastic. Without revealing too much of the film I will just say this: It’s a feast for the eyes and hats off to director Kenneth Branagh who did good.

Now, here I go. Why was this shown in 3D? It was totally unnessary. When a film, such as Thor, is converted over to 3D, it normally sucks in that dimension. No exception here. See it in 2D where possible and save money at the box office. This is a very good film and it is just as good in a theater with out those 3D glasses.

Thor opens in theaters Firday, May 6, 2011 and is rated PG-13 and you know Stan Lee will always make a cameo in all his comics. The running time is 114 minutes and if you stay put after the ending credits, you will see a scene with Samuel L. Jackson.

Thor stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins and Tom Hiddleston. One more question. Will Thor hammer Fast Five into second place or will the fifth installment of the Fast and Furious still prevail as number one at the box office? Only you have that answer. It also has to compete with a wonderful comedy, “Jumping The Broom”.

By Hustlin Bob Higgins 4 stars