Thor (2011) is Marvel’s most underrated movie
By Brendan Day
The first Thor film is much better than you remember.
In a few weeks, comic book fans will be rewarded with the new outrageously fun Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Thor: Ragnarok. This will be the third Thor movie, completing the character’s trilogy, and the fourth movie in “Phase Three.” As we prepare for this epic adventure, it’s time we revisit another great Marvel movie, the first Thor. With the exception of the first Iron Man, Thor is the backbone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Phase One.”
You remember how Iron Man 2 was basically just a movie setting up The Avengers and the other Marvel movies, Thor is similar except it tells a good story. Thor’s story arc in this film was perfect in setting up the character as we know him today. He started as a man who was very selfish and full of pride, who loses everything and has to earn his heroism to become the God of Thunder. He still believes he is the best, but has certainly become a team player when it comes to his appearances in The Avengers.
A good storytelling tip I learned was that you should make your protagonist lose, lose again in an even more devastating defeat, and then come back to win it all. Those beats play perfectly in this movie.
Thor’s first loss was when he lost his hammer and was cast out of Asgard. His second loss was when Thor fights off all those S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents and is about to pick up his might hammer known as Mjölnir, when suddenly, he can not lift it. Thor discovers he is still not yet worthy to wield his weapon, which destroys him more than any physical attack ever could. Then, near the end of the movie, he puts himself in front of others to protect them from the giant being known as the Destroyer, thus earning the right to wield Mjölnir and become the God of Thunder again. It’s almost like he’s learning to walk again (Foo Fighters’ song “Walk” is featured on the soundtrack).
Then, near the end of the movie, he puts himself in front of others to protect them from the giant being known as the Destroyer, thus earning the right to wield Mjölnir and become the God of Thunder again. It’s almost like he’s learning to walk again (Foo Fighters’ song “Walk” is featured on the soundtrack).
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The filmmaking in the movie is also fantastic. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, a very prestigious theatre and film actor, as well as a veteran of countless Shakespearean productions, deeming him a perfect fit to head a fantasy film like this. Chris Hemsworth was practically unknown before Thor was released, turning him into a superstar. The character’s direction and style are all thanks to the directing choices of Branagh.
This film also introduced us to Loki, who became one of the most recognizable and most interesting villains we’ve had so far. Natalie Portman, who later won an Oscar that year for Black Swan, arguably plays a great part with nothing to do. And finally, this movie put Agent Coulson at the forefront, which solidified the character’s popularity into The Avengers. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has Thor to thank for building up the franchises’ success. If the movie failed, who knows what kind of superhero movies we would be having today. Hopefully, you are inspired to give this movie another chance in your superhero binging marathon before November.
Must Read: 100 greatest superhero stories
Thor: Ragnarok hits theaters on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017.