Have You seen Thor the Movie?

Giving in to my son Marti's incessant pleading, we saw Thor at the Powerplant Mall Cinema last Saturday on its 2nd day of showing here in Manila.

So here's my ten cents worth on the movie.

*SPOILER ALERT* I will mention some scenes in the movie so if you don't want me to ruin it for you, see Thor first!

If you're a stickler for Norse mythology like me, there will be a little confusion here as Thor and Loki are depicted as brothers in the movie and the comic book series when in mythology Thor is the son of Odin and Gaea (Earth) while Loki is in the same level of the Aesir as Odin than that of Thor and is descended from giants. Having said that, twisting the story in the comic book series and the movie may have been necessary to add more intrigue and drama to the storyline as both gods become arch-enemies when they have known each other as brothers not so long ago.

The depiction of Asgard is simply stunning with the aerial views of the city reminding me of the Lord of the Rings epic trilogy. Although it lacked the Viking-inspiration portrayed in the comic book, the costume design is magnificent especially Odin's armor but was a little disappointed that Thor rarely wore the helmet he is so much associated with, second only to Mjolnir. Kenneth Branagh does a surprisingly marvelous job as a first-time director of a comic-book movie but he's probably a fitting choice as the Shakespearean storyline needed his touch. He is also brave to veer away from the original comic book story when fans are avidly protective of their comic book heroes.

Image via Wikipedia

Chris Hemsworth IS Thor and he plays the arrogant god really well and one can feel his sincerity when he is humbled by his experiences on Earth. Chris has a bright future in Hollywood!

Image via Wikipedia

Tom Hiddleston is fantastic as Loki. He is fragile and quiet at first, he was so convincing that I kept thinking if there was another villain in the movie but when he sheds his Norman Bates-facade...wow! And as I read somewhere, the most dreadful villains are the inconsistent and unpredictable ones and Hiddleston does this so effortlessly. This is one actor to watch out for.

Image via Wikipedia

I told my son that I really pictured Odin as Sir Anthony Hopkins because who else would have a commanding presence as he does? The King of Asgard is known to be stern and wise and Hopkins portrays that to the letter. I just hoped that the there was more of him in the movie but even in a coma he is fierce!

Natalie Portman was also good but it seemed that their brief encounter wasn't convincing that the two would already have fallen for each other. I guess the movie had to reserve the time for Thor and her character Jane Foster to develop a relationship in a sequel. But again Natalie's Jane Foster is still so much better that Kate Bosworth's Lois Lane. Ugh.

It's a fairly good movie, I'd watch it again with Marti. One last tip: stay on until the end of the credits for a surprise! Nope, Iron Man isn't there but it sure is shocking and provocative!

Related articles

• [Movies] Thor (2011) (geeky-guide.com)
• "Movie Review: Thor (2011)" and related posts (cinemaviewfinder.com)

Related articles

• "Movie Review: Thor (2011)" and related posts (cinemaviewfinder.com)

Amy Adams is the new Lois Lane

Finally, an actress who can give Margot Kidder a run for her money for playing the iconic Lois Lane!

Zack Snyder, director of the new Superman reboot has cast Amy Adams to play the superhero's love interest!

According to Snyder via Parallel Universe:

In a written statement, the director said, "Second only to Superman himself, the question of who will play Lois Lane is arguably what fans have been most curious about. So we are excited to announce the casting of Amy Adams, one of the most versatile and respected actresses in films today. Amy has the talent to capture all of the qualities we love about Lois: smart, tough, funny, warm, ambitious and, of course, beautiful. "

 For more of the article, click here.

Captain America: The First Avenger First Official Movie Trailer

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49503134679@N01

First Official Movie Trailer of Captain America: The First Avenger as shown last Superbowl Sunday!

Captain America First Movie Poster Revealed!

http://movies.msn.com/paralleluniverse/captain-america-poster

Captain America: The First Avenger's movie poster was released on Friday, 2 days before the official movie trailer was to be shown during Sunday's Superbowl.

According to Parallel Universe:

Gritty and dark, the poster for the 3D superhero movie, out July 22, shows the super soldier, played by Chris Evans, with his mask off and in a pose more common to mourning that triumph. Unlike photos from the movie that have been released recently, what is clearly front and center in the new poster is the word "Avenge" and that iconic shield.

Highly anticipated by fanboys, "Captain America," whose title Marvel and Paramount Pictures changed to "The First Avenger" in Russia, Ukraine and South Korea for what they are calling consumer awareness, is but one in a series of superhero flicks hitting the big screen this year.

Along with the World War II story of Capt. America, Marvel also has the Kenneth Branagh-directed "Thor," which comes out in 3D on May 6, and DC/ Warner Bros.' has "Green Lantern," which also comes out in 3D but on June 17.

Guess who 's the new Catwoman!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nodomain1

Hollywood is abuzz once again with the hot news that the new Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises" will now include Anne Hathaway playing Selina Kyle, more known as the Catwoman.

According to Yahoo News:

The 28-year-old actress will play Selina Kyle, whose alter-ego is the seductive Catwoman, in new Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises. Anne is believed to have fought off stiff competition from stars including Natalie Portman and Keira Knightley for the role, but it has now been claimed she can’t even be around felines because they trigger such a reaction.

Although Anne loves all kinds of animals and has several pet dogs, she can’t touch cats because she immediately begins sneezing.

Director Christopher Nolan recently revealed he is “thrilled” at the prospect of working with Anne and believes she is the perfect choice for the part.

The Dark Knight Rises is scheduled to be released in 2012 starring Christian Bale as Batman and who recently hinted that it would be his last movie playing the caped crusader.

Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides movie updates

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22256255@N05

With the official movie trailer recently launched, Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides is now creating a buzz on the net, hyping up the anticipation until its release in May 20, 2011 on 3D.

Johnny Depp reprises his role as Capt. Jack Sparrow and so does Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa while Penelope Cruz and  Ian McShane as Blackbeard joins the cast.

According to the movie's official site on Disney:

Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too.

Thor the Movie Updates

http://www.flickr.com/photos/popculturegeek

The much-awaited movie among Marvel Comics superheroes, Thor is coming out in May 6, 2011!

In the synopsis of the movie via Marvel.com:

At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth. 

Director Kenneth Branagh leads a cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Natalie Portman in the Thor's big-budget, silver screen debut, in movie theaters on May 6, 2011! 

Click here for the official movie trailer!