As I commented earlier, Thor is easily the one Marvel film that could have been screwed up, however the movie works incredibly well. The actors did a great job, the story was both light-hearted and moving, and the effects were, well…epic. At no time watching this movie did I once find myself uninterested or waiting for it to come to a close.

Chris Hemsworth who plays Thor is still a bit of a newcomer to audiences. His last role was a brief part as the father of Captain James T. Kirk in 2009’s Star Trek. That being said, Hemsworth proves that he has the ability to carry a film as the lead character. He truly showed his range in this film, transforming from an arrogant deity to a humbled and true hero. You really couldn’t ask for a better Odin than the always excellent “Sir” Anthony Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins pulls off this role with all the majesty needed to portray a character known as the all-father and king of the gods.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the story is exciting and well paced. Branagh’s handling of the film overall is excellent. The story does some jumping back and forth between the realms of Asgard and Earth. However, Branagh pulled this off without making the story feel choppy or disconnected. The realm of Asgard is a sight to behold; it embodies all the grandiose and spectacle that a home to the gods should. The jaw-dropping special effects look authentic and believable. The films combination of action-adventure and humor is consistent and on par with what audiences were exposed to with Marvel studios Iron Man.