The Battle Between Conventional CGI and Inspired Charm: "Thor"

Thor, the latest blockbuster superhero endeavor to reach the big screen, has a witty charm and lighthearted nature that conjures memories of the terrific Iron Man franchise. What prevents Thor from achieving the same quality as the Iron Man films, however, is a frustrating amount of formulaic limitations. More specifically, Thor suffers from sensory overload, special effects that are indeed eye-catching but ultimately unsatisfying. The movie is at its best when it relies on the dazzling chemistry between Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman. In these moments, Thor is simultaneously enchanting and funny, entertaining and transcendent. But when the film veers into the realm of galactic CGI, it loses its charm.

Let's start with the positives: The aforementioned Mr. Hemsworth and Ms. Portman are wonderful together. Mr. Hemsworth is a hunky charmer, an ideal choice for the title character. Ms. Portman, one of the world's most magnificent actors, is sexy and confident. The screen crackles with an irresistible energy every time Portman and Hemsworth share the spotlight. The remaining members of the cast, including the great Anthony Hopkins, take themselves far too seriously. Portman and Hemsworth are the only two actors who come across as easygoing and relaxed, and the movie capitalizes on their vibrant rapport with scenes of exhilarating romance and humor. Thor would be something close to great if director Kenneth Branagh and the team of three screenwriters focused more intently on the charisma of Ms. Portman and Mr. Hemsworth.


Unfortunately, Thor succumbs to the temptation of CGI, CGI, and more CGI. The special effects are undeniably remarkable, and the viewer is viscerally awed upon first exposure to the planet Asgard, a place filled with visual wonder. But eventually, Asgard loses its pull. I became increasingly annoyed with the bloated amount of time devoted to generic battle sequences and interminable scenes featuring creepy-looking ice people. Thor rejuvenates the viewer when it returns to the beautiful setting of New Mexico, but Asgard takes up far too much of the film's 114 minutes.



Is Thor worth seeing? I say, hesitantly, yes. The scenes set in New Mexico between Mr. Hemsworth and Ms. Portman are superbly acted and wildly entertaining. The entertainment value of this portion of the movie is significant enough to make amends for the been-there-done-that feel of Asgard. Still, there is something irritating about the continuation of the CGI phenomenon at the expense of genuine human drama.