Flashback Friday: Thor (Branagh, 2011)

When Marvel Studios was deciding which superheroes to use in their Avengers Project, they needed a group that was recognizable yet able to cohesively fit in one movie. Iron Man was a billionaire with an advanced cybersuit, The Incredible Hulk was a scientist who was exposed to a tad too much Gamma radiation, and Captain America was an ultra-strong product of the Super Soldier experiments. The last member? A Norse God who can literally control thunderstorms. The creative team at Marvel had to figure out a way they could integrate this alien into the Avengers line-up without being hokey. So, they hired one of Shakespearean cinema's finest directors and a cast of hugely talented actors to bring the God of Thunder to the big screen. It's sequel is in theaters now, so if you're planning on seeing it this weekend, or still in the mood after already viewing it, this post is for you. Today on Flashback Friday, we're hanging out with Thor.

Stan Lee is the creator of most of the recognizable Marvel brands. He worked on X-Men, Spider-Man, and the Avengers in their earliest days. Stan Lee created Thor because he was interested in God-like superhero, and found that many people were unfamiliar with Norse mythology. So, he crafted a new Marvel world, where science and magic exist as one and Gods roam the galaxy as almighty aliens. Thor soon became one of Marvel's most popular incarnations. 

After the success of Iron Man, Marvel's newfound cinematic universe was green-lighted to continue development. The Incredible Hulk rode it's waves, and Iron Man 2 proved an equal triumph. Thor was selected as the next film, and in 2011 premiered alongside Captain America: The First Avenger later that summer. 

Because of it's epic proportions and deep mythology, Marvel wanted to hire a capable filmmaker to helm the project. Kenneth Branagh, who was eager to branch into action franchises, accepted the offer and immediately got to work. The actors and crew loved working with him, and felt that he brought cinematic innovation to a film that may have otherwise been emotionally stalled.

The movie is the origin story of Thor, who's father Odin united the Nine Realms and rules over them as king. The God of Thunder is next in line for the throne, but his coronation is halted by a group of Ice Giant thieves. Furious over their entrance, Thor leads a small fellowship of warriors, including his four best friends and his brother Loki, to the Ice Giant homeworld to strike fear into their kind. The Ice Giants retaliate with further bloodshed, and Thor's group is narrowly saved by Odin and gatekeeper Heimdall. Angered by his son's brash arrogance and child-like behavior, Odin banishes Thor to Earth to live as a mortal.

On Earth, Thor meets with Jane Foster, a scientist who is studying the pathways Thor's people use to travel between worlds. Jane, along with mentor Erik Selvig and intern Darcy, work with the hero to try and return him home. However, they may have more trouble than they bargained for when Thor's mischievous brother Loki begins causing havoc of his own. 

For the title role, Chris Hemsworth was selected based on a great screen test in which he made up a huge backstory for the character. He looks at acts like Thor, brining both the physical and emotional depth needed to portray him. Hemsworth is also quite hillarious, and his narcism comes across as comical rather than annoying, as so many protagonists are. 

Natalie Portman is a beautiful love interest, and although she mumbles through most of the science-y jargon, she remains a likable lead. Anthony Hopkins proves he can sink his teeth into any role, and as Odin is the perfect leader, a capable warrior, and a stern yet loving father all at the same time. It's an awesome, awesome role that is thrilling to watch. 

After seeing The Avengers, Tom Hiddleston's Loki is just silly in Thor, and provides only a minor threat; nevertheless, Hiddleston's first foray into the part is a good one. Clark Gregg's Agent Coulson is hilarious as usual, and Kat Jenning's Darcy is excellent comic relief, too.

The production design includes a beautiful Asgardian landscape, shining with a radiance and architectural brilliance that is almost unthinkable. The Ice Giant's homeworld is equally well made, as is the New Mexico towns on Earth. Thor's hammer has a lot of small intricacies, such as latin speech an Odin's symbol. The designers also made the hero's costume more realistic and less intricate than the comics, though Loki's villainous garb is almost exactly like the original. 

Thor remains a unique superhero adventure because it's almost Shakespearean in quality, with a royal family dispute having galactic consequences, and themes of arrogance, jealousy, love, and loyalty. It is extremely well crafted, and features arguably the best overall ensemble of the Marvel lineup (except for The Avengers, of course). It takes a great team to make Norse mythology fit in a semi-realistic setting, and Branagh and company do it wonderfully. Thor is a fun action film with lots of thrills, funny moments, and a ton of heart. 

"Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor!"