At this point in the super hero tentpole sweepstakes of 2011, Kenneth Branagh has his work cut out for him and is playing catch up. When the venerable director was first announced as the helmer for Marvel‘s live-action adaptation of their Asgardian hero “Thor,” many of us discerning filmgoers presumed Branagh was going to class up the joint in a big, big, way.
Fast forward to almost two years later and of the four super hero films hitting in 2011, two of them being Marvel Films properties, “Thor” definitely is on the lower end of the spectrum while “X-Men: First Class” is sitting prettiest, “Captain America: The First Avenger” is looking far better than expected and the goofy looking “Green Lantern” is running a distant third.
From what we’ve seen so far, Branagh’s been going for camp, the costumes look like a strange mix of steam-punk and sci-fi and the Shakespearian mien we hoped he would bring to the proceedings seem to be sorely lacking. From interviews so far, Branagh seems to demonstrate that he’s not taking things too seriously and “Thor” is inherently campy, and while this is true, it looks silly enough on its own so a more solemn tone might help.
So this new version? Well, it centers on what feels like the beginning of the film and the earthbound parts of the story starring Natalie Portman, Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgard and of course, Thor himself, played by Chris Hemsworth. The comedy in the trailer is well…not terrible, but a little strange. The second half gets all special-effects-y and elaborate with CGI. Anyhow, see for yourself below.
Starring Chris Hemsworth as the Asgardian hero, Natalie Portman as the love interest (which feels out of place so far), Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Anthony Hopkins as Odin, plus Rene Russo, Jaimie Alexander, Ray Stevenson, Josh Dallas, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Clark Gregg, and Colm Feore, “Thor” hits theaters on May 6th, 2011. We’re not against it, it’s definitely an improvement from what we’ve seen, but we’re not exactly convinced either. Could be OK. Let’s hope so, we’re certainly not asking a lot from it at this point.
All I have to say to Hollyweird is this better be good. . Sometimes they suprise me and sometimes they make me say how the hell did that film get made? And why are those people getting paid all that money? Ugh just gross. I feel like I need to be paid with some of the films I have been forced to see. I will never get those moments back. hahaha
I do hope Thor is good.
I think this looks good. I remember when I first saw the trailer my friend said shit is that Brad Pitt? haha I can\’t wait to see it. Chris Memsworth is so good-looking I really just want to stare at him. 😉
Well, maybe for you nerds. But like anyone with a semblance of taste, sorry.
X-men is looking #1.
the rest are far behind.
\”X-Men First Class is sitting prettiest? Are you kidding me?
That entire movie is getting laughs and worries left and right. It’s still shooting, and it comes out in four months.
Thor has an epic sense of scale, a great cast, effects that look spectacular, and most of all it looks to be balancing a sense of fun and adventure.
Fourth place in this summer’s comic movie lineup? I think not.\”
completely agree. That x-men movie is the same stuff we\’ve seen three times already too. At least Green Lantern will be bring the space epic, captain america is a period movie. Then thor, idk about thor, but x-men is by far the least interesting looking.
fassbender is the only interesting looking part
X-Men First Class is sitting prettiest? Are you kidding me?
That entire movie is getting laughs and worries left and right. It\’s still shooting, and it comes out in four months.
Thor has an epic sense of scale, a great cast, effects that look spectacular, and most of all it looks to be balancing a sense of fun and adventure.
Fourth place in this summer\’s comic movie lineup? I think not.
Count me in the \”this looks fun\” camp.
I\’m feeling bullish on this movie. Probably going to be kinda goofy, but still looks fun. As rotch said, reminds me of the first Iron Man.
The wrong Skarsgaard is in this movie. And why does Hemsworth still sound Australian? Yikes.
I thought it looked wonderful. The humor was great, and the movie seems to have a huge sense of scale. I can\’t wait to see it.
All I can think about after watching that trailer is…
If the world is going to end I would want a Dr. Pepper.
Bang on, Cory. I think we need to start a collection to buy Kenneth Branagh a tripod with three legs of equal length.
I like, like, like this trailer. Can\’t wait to see the movie! :))
Whoa on the dutch angles overload.
Chris Hemsworth acting is starting to make Orlando Bloom and Hayden Christensen seem like Marlon Brando in comparison. Was this really the best guy they could find (or afford)?
I am extremely concerned about Chris Hemsworth\’s performance in this. I am not feelin him at all.
I swear, I really hope Chris Hemsworth is not the future of acting in Hollywod. No wonder this movie had so many reshoots.
Brad Pitt ca. Seven Years in Tibet but not as good looking
Call me crazy, but I love this. Tone reminds me to the original IronMan trailer. Humor feels natural, unforced. Actors comfortable. Not so campy.