THOR (2011)

Before Thor, I hadn't stepped into a movie theatre in about 11months.  (I have my darling mini one to thank for the absence.)  I certainly wasn't expecting my reemergence into the cinema, a space with a special place in my heart, to leave me emotionally upset, actually quite close to physically.

Chris Hemsworth, you are beautiful.  Would you believe that Thor left me emotionally and physically upset because it seemed unfair that one woman would get to enjoy the obscene physical beauty that is its star actor.  I have to force myself not to consider the other attractive attributes that Mr. Hemsworth might own, like opening his lady's door, or offering her his coat, or carrying his lady's son's stroller into...

...I digress.

Thor runs for 1hr 54minutes.  What does this tell me?  This tells me that there are less likely to be extended and unnecessary scenes.  Most action movies these days are far too long.  To be frank, I expected nothing but good storytelling from Kenneth Branagh and good storytelling is exactly what made Thor such a delight to watch.  It's so easy.  It's just so, so easy.  Despite a cast of very talented actors, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgard, just to name a few, the film isn't memorable for any of them.  It stands on the merits of simple, effective storytelling.  

Side Note:  Hollywood, as far as your stories go, you should be fired.  Not all but most of your films are lacking.  For all the special effects, mega budgets and star power you often fuel into projects, one would think you could spend the necessary amount of time to ensure there is a point to it all.

Back to Thor.  Watch that hammer.  There may be a few unnecessary lines and one or two discrepancies, but because the story is a sweet one, they can be easily overlooked.  The film gets a pass in my class.

P.S. I never knew a hammer could be so sexy.