The Plot
After nearly shattering an uneasy truce, the brave but arrogant Asgardian warrior Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is banished from the incredible realm of Asgard by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and sent to Earth to live among humans. Forming a relationship with scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) Thor soon learns the path of a true hero, when a deadly enemy from his homeland unleashes dark forces on Earth.

Film Examination
A film based on a character like Thor has every right to fail. The main character is loosely based on a mythological Norse God, who wields an oversized war hammer and spouts out lines like “I say thee nay!” or “Know this day you have angered the son of Odin!” Luckily for us, Thor doesn’t fail at all.

In fact, Thor is easily one of the most entertaining films produced by Marvel studios to date. I put it right up there with Iron Man, in terms of its ability to deliver a highly entertaining and fun experience.

The story opens with a bit of an information dump regarding the Asgardian Gods, for those who aren’t familiar with Norse mythology. This segment sets the tone and pace for the film by giving viewers a back-story of the Viking era when the Frost Giants plagued humanity. The Asgardian Gods, led by the all-father Odin, intervene and form an uneasy alliance to protect mankind. Years later, Odin’s offspring Thor is being groomed to take his place as the new ruler of Asgard.

When his coronation is interrupted by an attack from their ancient enemies – the Frost Giants – Thor’s brother Loki suggests that Thor and his band of warriors should retaliate even though it has been expressly forbidden by Odin himself. When Thor’s actions almost incite a war between the Frost Giants and the gods again, Odin strips Thor of his power and casts him out of the realm eternal to live among the human’s on Earth. With Odin falling into his once-a-winter hibernation state, Asgard is now vulnerable to attack from her enemies, without her champion thunder god to protect her.