Page 20 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • May 18, 2011 ‘Thor’ will likely usher in multi-picture franchise by Dennis Seuling When superheroes arrive on the big screen, summer is here, whatever the calendar may say. “Thor,” based on Norse mythology and a character from the Marvel Comics universe, is the latest movie to introduce what the studio hopes will be a lucrative, multi-picture summer franchise. According to legend, Thor was the son of King Odin and the strongest and most powerful of the Norse gods who lived in Asgard and ruled the lives of mortals. Known for his quick and hot temper, Thor often vented his anger against his enemies, smashing their heads with his mighty hammer, Mjollnir. In order to wield this weapon, he needed iron gloves and a belt of strength. Though Odin held a higher rank, Thor was the most loved and worshipped of the Norse deities. Director Kenneth Branagh has channeled a lot of this mythology into the 3D film while jettisoning other aspects. Unlike the traditional depiction of Thor, with a long red beard and horned Viking headgear, the hero of this film, Chris Hemsworth, is a far more modern incarnation, with neatly trimmed whiskers, blonde mane, chiseled body, and movie star looks. He is first seen in Asgard stirring up trouble and endangering a long-held peace between the gods and the frost giants. Angered by his son’s impulsiveness and failure to respect diplomacy, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) banishes him and his hammer from Asgard to live among the mortals on earth. Thor travels through the cosmos and perhaps a time vortex or two, plummeting to earth just in time to be hit by the truck of astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who is in the desert conducting research. When Thor learns his hammer has been located in a nearby crater and an unnamed government agency is guarding it until it can be removed, Thor determines to retrieve it. There is a lot going on in “Thor.” There is an entire sequence in Asgard that introduces the gods. In addition to Odin and Thor, viewers meet Thor’s brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), and pals Hogun (Tadanobu Asano), Volstaag (Ray Stevenson), and Heimdall (Idris Elba). Asgard is as political as the floor of Congress, with delicate balances of power and strongly held views on what godliness entails. Once Thor lands on earth, director Branagh is basically dealing with a fish-out-of-water tale, and he incorporates some funny moments based on the hulking lug’s ignorance of modern technology, though Thor seems fine with hitching a ride in a car and relying on a woman to help him. Hemsworth plays Thor seriously for the most part, but does know how to deliver a comic line. He does this as the perfect straight man -- as if he is unaware of the joke. This works well and makes him likeable. Viewers can’t help both being in awe of this larger-than-life warrior god and feeling superior to him because he is adrift in an unfamiliar world. Hopkins is a logical choice for the King of the Gods. He brings stature and authority to the role, which could Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman star in ‘Thor.’ 176 Ramapo Valley Road Oakland, NJ 201-337-8777 Hrs: Mon-Sat 7:00a,-9:00pm; Sun 7:00am-8:30pm FREE DELIVERY to Oakland and Franklin Lakes between the hours of 7am-3pm & 5pm-8pm with $10.00 minimum order. ����������������������� Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Pastry Extensive Menu Chinese Restaurant Family Dining ����������������������� ������������������� Major Credit Cards Accepted ������������ $ On $10.00 and over, With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. Lunch & Dinner only.�� Off 1 00 $ On $20.00 and over, With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. Dinner only. �� Off 2 00 � ���������������� ��������������� ����������������������������������������������������� ���� ������������������������ have become a caricature. His Odin has emotions and is frustrated with a son, destined to be king, who has a lot to learn about ruling. With his eye patch and white Santa Claus beard, Hopkins also has just the right look for a cinematic Norse god. Portman, who delivered a tour de force performance in “Black Swan,” is OK as the scientist, though her talents are under-used. Jane Foster is a character that could have been played by any competent actress, but audiences likely won’t flock to “Thor” to see Portman emote. They will come for the action. And there is action aplenty. As someone who has become tired of the recent onslaught of superhero movies, this reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the wit and intelligence evident in “Thor.” The writing is sharp and the direction is strong. There are moments when the film veers off into self-indulgence, as when Thor transcends time and space and the special effects are amped up, or when his hammer is thrown toward the camera to heighten the 3-D effects, but for those wearied by an overabundance of 3D movies at the multiplex, “Thor” doesn’t rely on 3D for its success. Viewers can opt to see the film in traditional 2D without sacrificing much. Rated PG-13 for some non-bloody violence, “Thor” is a lot of fun. The end of the movie is a transparent door to sequels, but viewers will have a good time learning the story of this most unusual superhero. This is a rare movie that might inspire viewers to check out the character’s mythological roots. ������������������� ��������������������� ���������� Cook Up Some Business! Advertise your restaurant in The Villadom TIMES. 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