Thor (2011)

Since his 1962 debut in Marvel’s Journey into Mystery #83, Thor has wowed comic book readers with his magical hammer, funky winged helmet, and use of words like “nay” and “verily.” He’s been a vital member of The Avengers, saved the world on numerous occasions, and even found time to rebuild the fabled halls of Asgard in the state of Oklahoma. And now the fair-haired powerhouse of the Marvel Universe gets his own feature film with none other than Shakespeare-loving Kenneth Branagh at the helm. And even if you’ve never picked up a comic book in your life, don’t worry: Everything you need to know will be explained in the film’s opening moments, courtesy of the distinctive voice of Anthony Hopkins.

The British Oscar winner stars as Odin, the one-eyed ruler of Asgard and the father of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston). On the day that Odin plans to name the high-spirited Thor as his successor to the throne, ancient enemies known as the Frost Giants sneak into the kingdom and attempt to retrieve an artifact that holds the source of their power. Thor doesn’t take kindly to this interruption, and so he heads to the land of the Frost Giants to force a confrontation, accompanied by only Loki and adventuring pals Sif (Jaimie Alexander), Fandral (Joshua Dallas), Volstagg (Ray Stevenson), and Hogun (Tadanobu Asano). Odin is forced to intervene, breaking a fragile truce that has kept the two sides from war for centuries. As punishment for his arrogance, Odin strips Thor of his power and casts him down to Midgard (aka Earth) to learn some humility.

And learn humility he does, as the woozy god of thunder is accidentally run over by a vehicle driven by scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and containing her mentor, Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard), and smart-mouthed assistant, Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings). Within a 24-hour period, Thor is also tasered, sedated, and run over once again by Foster. Luckily, his greatest weapon and source of power–the enchanted hammer Mjolnir–has also been placed on Earth, but it’s promptly discovered and quarantined by agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

As Thor seeks to reclaim his power and slowly falls for the socially-awkward Foster, his brother Loki is up to all kinds of mischief back home. A verbal confrontation with Odin leaves the weary king in a state of magical slumber, and Loki–now with his rival sibling out of the picture–takes his place on the throne of Asgard. From there, the forces of good and evil engage in a struggle that’s played out on Earth and beyond, with Thor slowly learning to put aside his vanity and focus on the greater good.

Chris Hemsworth is a marvel in the lead role, with his chiseled body and golden mane of hair giving him the perfect foundation on which to build his performance. But his success goes well beyond the mere physical: Hemsworth is convincing as both the self-sacrificing hero and the pompous egomaniac, and he’s assisted by a screenplay (penned by Don Payne, Zack Stentz, and Ashley Edward Miller) which allows him to make the transition between the two without ever seeming contrived. Considering his looks and acting ability, this Aussie actor is going to have a bright future.

But Hemsworth isn’t alone when it comes to fine performances in Thor. Natalie Portman is equally attractive, and she takes on a role that could’ve been dull in the hands of someone like Kate Bosworth and transforms it into something more. Sure, her background as a scientist is glossed over, but I don’t think anyone is going into the theatre expecting this to be another Contact. It’s a perfect example of a talented performer taking a vanilla character and elevating it through sheer force of will. Let’s hope we haven’t seen the last of Jane Foster.

While there’s plenty of action and Shakespearean betrayal and intrigue to be had, Thor succeeds on the strength of its cast. Tom Hiddleston’s Loki seems as though he would be just as comfortable as a complicated character in a stage production, Kat Dennings provides comic relief with verve, and Stellan Skarsgard adeptly switches between skeptical scientist and the god of thunder‘s drinking buddy. Even Anthony Hopkins and his tendency to ham it up comes across as regal, and 57-year-old Rene Russo looks as ageless as the character she portrays.

Fans of the comic won’t be disappointed, either, as much of the setting and backstory is worked in. There’s the bifrost bridge (guarded by the all-seeing Heimdall, here played stoically by Idris Elba), a nod to Donald Blake (our hero’s original comic book alter-ego), and the unstoppable automaton known only as the Destroyer. Even Thor’s classic fighting moves are duplicated, ranging from calling down powerful bolts of lightning to spinning his hammer and toppling opponents like so many bowling pins.

And for those hardcore types who don’t want to miss a second of the action, be sure to stick around after the credits for the obligatory scene featuring Samuel L. Jackson as S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury. The details are left intentionally mysterious, but there’s little doubt that it has something to do with setting up 2012’s The Avengers. Besides, it’s always great fun to watch Jackson sport an eyepatch and attitude.

Verily, I say unto thee: If thou be a true fan of comics, abscond thyself from thine life of toil and witness the unbridled majesty of the Odinson. That’s Thorspeak for “get your butt in gear and head on down to the local multiplex to witness the crowd-pleasing tale of a Norse god who learns the true meaning of heroism.” In a summer packed with potential blockbusters, Thor will leave audiences electrified.