Thor (2011) review: How does it impact Infinity War?

What worked?

Prior to Thor, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston had some film and television credits to their names, but not mainstream recognition. That started changing after Thor, and for good reason. Both actors showed they were not only charismatic performers, they’re had range, and took their craft very seriously. At the same time, neither of them come across as if they’re embarrassed taking part in a superhero movie. If anything, they’re perfectly okay with embracing the more sillier aspects of their characters’ comic book roots.

In a lesser actor’s hands, Hemsworth’s Thor could’ve come across as a stereotypical dumb jock in a neo-Wagnerian opera costume. Despite how brash, impulsive, and stubborn Thor is though, he’s never mean-spirited. Even at his most arrogant, he treats his fellow warriors and new friends on Earth with respect. He can also be sanguine to the point of absurdity. Even though he’s a god, Hemsworth Thor is literally someone you could sit down and have a beer (or several beers) with.

Hiddleston’s Loki, meanwhile, isn’t your typical scheming Machiavellian. Yes, his goal is to usurp the throne of Asgard. Yes, he’s jealous of his half-brother, and plots with his father’s ancient enemies, the Frost Giants. Only, in his mind, he’s saving Asgard from potential catastrophe, motivated by obsession in proving to his adoptive father, Odin, that he’s the more worthy heir. His being a Frost Giant himself also adds elements of self-loathing. It makes for a complex, sympathetic antagonist, all of which Hiddleston effectively projects without succumbing to scene-chewing schmaltz. Little wonder his Loki is the MCU’s best villain, if not one its best characters.

Of course, the other actors are excellent, too. As you’d expect, Sir Anthony Hopkins is perfect casting as the authoritative but benevolent Odin All-Father, who can convey several emotions within a single line. Idris Elba as the stoic, vigilant Heimdall also commands the screen. And naturally, Clark Gregg as the unflappable S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Phil Coulson, is always a delight to watch.  While some of the other performers such as Jaimie Alexander’s Lady Sif, Stellan Skarsgård as Professor Selvig feel underused, they still make the most of the time they have on-screen.

And while I didn’t find the action scenes all that thrilling (which could be confusing at times), Thor’s attempt to retrieve Mjolnir, fighting his way through S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, really stands out. The Destroyer, too, makes for a fantastic effect, a figure which not only takes inspiration from Jack Kirby’s original creation, but Gort from 1951’s The Day the Earth Stood Still.