by Jesus Ibarra
Special coupon for Dinuba Platinum Theatre at the end of this review.
The movie I have been waiting for since it was first announced in 2009 has finally hit theaters and it did not disappoint. As a long time comic book fan, particularly of Marvel comics, it is amazing to see all my favorite characters translated from the page to the big screen. 
Continuing the ambitious Marvel Cinematic Universe where each movie introduces us to a hero, which will eventually lead to the massive team-up in the Avengers movie directed by Joss Whedon, Thor introduces us to the Asgardian God of Thunder Thor. In the film, based on Marvel’s take on Norse legends, the Asgard are an advanced race of humanoids that live in another world that is connected to ours through a wormhole, called the Bifrost Bridge. Worshiped by the Vikings as gods, this powerful race of warriors, led by Odin (Anthony Hopkins), saves the nine realms from the Frost Giants of Jotunheim who attempt to conquer all of them.
After a truce is established with the Frost Giants, we meet Thor (Chris Hemsworth), son of Odin, on the day he is to become king of Asgard. When the Frost Giants attempt to take back an important relic, Thor foolishly travels to Jotunheim and threatens to start a war that could end in tremendous bloodshed. Odin banishes the God of Thunder to Earth for his arrogance and actions, stripping him of his powers and the hammer Mjolnir until such time he proves himself worthy to wield it again. Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s brother, ascends to throne and threatens to destroy Asgard and Earth. On Earth, Thor must prove himself to be worthy and return to Asgard to save his people.
The movie’s premise is iffy to begin with, but when I saw the first pictures of Thor in costume I was completely sold, and now seeing the film it was fantastic. Natalie Portman who plays Jane Foster, Thor’s love interest, was a great supporting character, and the chemistry between her and Chris Hemsworth made the romance between a human and essentially a god much more believable. All around the acting, writing, and directing was fantastic. Chris Hemsworth manages to make Thor more than just a one-dimensional character through his lessons on Earth. I have to say that this movie is a great example of subtle acting if you pay close enough attention.
The story itself evolves from being about Thor to a story of family, brothers, and what it means to be a hero. The action sequences were great, especially if you’re a fan of the comics, because this is what Thor should look like. Overall, this is another great Marvel movie that stands alone and teases us with the possibility of the Avengers, so go watch it!
A couple of side notes, watch it in 2D not 3D as it was converted after the fact so the effectiveness will vary person to person, this way you are for sure going to enjoy it. In addition, if you are a fan of the comics pay close attention because there are some subtle references to established lore that will make you chuckle.
And as to how this fits into the larger scheme of the Avengers, well there is one character to look out for in the middle of film that will play a major role in the team up movie. And if you have watched all of the Marvel movies made in the last three years the time line fits like this: Iron Man 1 and 2 take place before the Incredible Hulk, and Thor takes place almost at the same time if not directly following the Hulk film. If you look close enough each movie has a seed of another. The forthcoming Captain America film takes place in War World 2, but will probably bring it to the future right after Thor. And if you can, stay for the post credits scene because it really sets the stage for what’s to come.
Thor is now playing at Dinuba Platinum Theatres 6. Showtimes can be found on their website.
Print this coupon and enjoy a special discount for Kings River Life readers only!
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