The reviews lean positive, though not by much. Most critics find Thor good fun and most credit Kenneth Branagh for it: he plays the myth straight, gives the Asgard scenes some Shakespearean father-and-son weight, and keeps the tone light enough that the pomp never becomes a chore. Chris Hemsworth is widely picked out as a find, especially once the story lands on Earth and he is allowed to be funny, and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki draws steady praise.
The disagreements are about balance. Several critics say the film lurches between the grandeur of Asgard and the small-town comedy on Earth, though they cannot agree which half works: Variety and the Los Angeles Times prefer Asgard, the Evening Standard the Earth scenes. The 3D conversion is a recurring complaint. The spread is wide, from warm approval to dismissal; The New York Times calls it an exercise in mediocrity and Film Comment finds it retrograde beside more recent superhero films.
A
The AV Club
5 May 2011 · B+ · Keith Phipps
83
The review calls Thor a big, loud, relentlessly entertaining film that reminds viewers why they used to get excited about comic-book movies. It singles out Natalie Portman's charming performance and Hemsworth's embodiment of the character for praise while noting Branagh acquits himself well with the material.
The film is tremendous fun and proof that Marvel knows how to handle its back catalogue, with Branagh excelling at the Shakespearean father-son dynamics and Hemsworth emerging as a true star in the fish-out-of-water comedy.
The critic praises Branagh for delivering a stylish, action-packed adaptation that blends pomp, majesty, humour and humanity, satisfying both fans and newcomers. They single out the strong production design, costumes, and handling of both Asgardian drama and Earth-bound scenes.
Kenneth Branagh's approach punctures pomposity with genial fun while delivering the expected spectacle; once on Earth the initially wooden Hemsworth displays real comic chops amid the fish-out-of-water humour.
The film is overlong and all over the place with tacky sets and a spasmodic script, but Branagh's direction brings a weirdly charming, freewheeling gusto and infectious tongue-in-cheek fun that keeps it from being a bore.
The critic praises Kenneth Branagh's good-humored direction for making the fantastical world accessible and highlights Chris Hemsworth's star-making performance as Thor. The review notes solid effects and respect for comic lore but finds some directorial choices like slanted angles distracting.
The critic finds the film jolly, boisterous and honorably executed with a starry cast, though the exiled god does not crack many jokes. Branagh directs with swagger and good cheer, turning the material into something like a fancy RSC panto.
The critic finds the film an agreeable blend of trippy, tacky, and monumental elements that improves on aggressively realistic superhero movies. Branagh's relish for grandiose Shakespearean trappings is noted positively, along with strong work from Tom Hiddleston, though some CGI and Portman's performance draw mild criticism.
The critic finds it a solid if unremarkable superhero entry that succeeds on its own terms as entertaining fantasy with Shakespearean family drama undertones. They single out the Earth-bound humour and believable central romance for praise while noting the action sequences suffer in 3D and Asgard feels overblown.
Branagh brings soul and mythic swaggery to the material through strong work with actors like Hemsworth, Hopkins and especially Hiddleston as Loki, though visual control wobbles and it feels like a weird mead-and-Malibu cocktail.
The review calls it an endearing but anonymous throwback to 1980s fantasy fluff that works as mindless holiday entertainment. They praise the fun, knowing tone and some cast members while complaining about the lack of directorial personality from Branagh and thin character work.
Thor is neither the best nor worst of the Marvel adaptations, delivering spectacle in its celestial action and family drama while faltering in its brief Earth-bound sections. Branagh brings a measured Shakespearean weight to the mythological characters without overdoing it.
The movie ends in an aesthetic draw between Branagh's Shakespearean ambitions and Marvel's commercial demands, resulting in a mishmash that is stronger in its Asgard sections than on Earth. The Asgard father-son conflict and Hopkins' performance stand out as the most substantial elements.
The review describes Thor as an adequate but instantly forgettable origin story that feels like an impersonal assembly-line product despite a thoughtful script and good cast. It notes that all the right elements are present but nothing extraordinary results from them.
The reviewer notes that the film judders between styles and that the down-to-earth scenes are more entertaining than the dull Asgard sections, with some mildly funny fish-out-of-water moments. It is ultimately good fun for boys aged 10 to 12.
The film feels comically retrograde compared to more complex recent superhero movies. Branagh alternates between strained self-seriousness in Asgard and awkward fish-out-of-water comedy on Earth.
The film is an unbroken exercise in mediocrity that succeeds precisely because it aims low and delivers exactly what is expected. Branagh's direction and the cast fail to elevate the material beyond its generic superhero formula.
The critic praises director Kenneth Branagh for playing the character straight yet keeping the film fun and light, anchored by strong performances from Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston. Supporting characters are underdeveloped and the 3D post-conversion is a major flaw that ruins the visuals, but the film succeeds overall as enjoyable entertainment in 2D.
Branagh realises Thor’s potential without getting bogged down in comic history. Fantastic effects, strong characters and a story worth revisiting make it a strong summer kick-off despite minor stumbles.
The critic views it as a worthy kick-off to blockbuster season, an amiable mash-up that is hard not to get caught up in due to its shamelessly out-there ideas. They single out for praise Branagh's flair for spectacle and character establishment, particularly Hemsworth's likable lead performance.
The critic calls the film a surprisingly well-executed and literate summer superhero movie that maintains a tongue-in-cheek tone suitable for a wide audience. It singles out the 3D conversion as a major disappointment that dims the images and hurts the experience, along with excessive loudness.
A mischievous, light-hearted tone works better than expected and allows Thor to evolve as a character through his Earth relationships. Action lags in the middle section.
The critic finds Thor remarkably good fun and a worthy popcorn movie, praising the excellent performances especially from Hemsworth and Dennings along with the humor and energy. However, it complains about the film's struggle to balance tones with Marvel continuity, ropey dialogue, silly setup, and poor 3D.
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