THOR

THOR
rated PG13

ART--->**
HEART->*1/2
MIND-->*
FUN--->***

Far from here, the noble kingdom of Asgard rises above the clouds. Majestic and golden, its king and warriors are righteous heroes, ready to fight against their enemies and defend the other nine realms from tyranny and oppression.

Thor, Asgard's mightiest hero, enters the palace with enough bravado to match the bright red hue of his cape. With his powerful hammer Mjölnir he marches toward his father Odin, ready to inherit his birthright: the kingdom. But after a failed attempt by the Frost Giants to reclaim their ultimate weapon, Thor leads a misguided attack on their home world and is banished from Asgard. He now lives in exile on a strange new planet... Earth.

It's about time Hollywood remembered how to lighten up, and with THOR they finally give us a Summer Event Movie that is just plain fun. Bad guys, good guys, action, spectacle, crazy outfits and enough pseudo-science/geek love to make you happy. Director Kenneth Branagh gives us a surprisingly funny film, a great ride for a Saturday night, and THOR delivers the soda-and-popcorn goods mindlessly and effectively.

Chris Hemsworth is a decent Thor, with an insanely chiseled physique and great comic timing. Natalie Portman finally gets off her mopey movie marathon and allows us to like her again as scientist/love interest Jane Foster. Anthony Hopkins hovers as the stately Odin, and Tom Hiddleston delivers a great performance as Loki. Rounding out the cast is Colm Feore, Stellan Skarsgård, Kat Dennings, and Clark Gregg as the ever-present S.H.I.E.L.D. agent we last saw in IRON MAN 2.

Even if comic book fantasy isn't your bag, you should still give THOR a chance. Yes the outfits are ridiculous.Nope, none of this could ever happen in real life. Movies like this exist if only to help us escape the world for two hours and simply enjoy ourselves. And THOR is pure entertainment. It is...

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

P.S.
THOR is being shown in IMAX 3D, 3D and regular format (2D). My advice? Go for the less expensive 2D version.

Even though THOR was originally shot in 3D, the filmmakers don't really take advantage of that technology or use it as a creative element in the story. It's just extra frosting on an already sugary snack. So go see it in 2D. You won't miss a thing. Enjoy!