My complete review (original in french, traduction with google). 
Before beginning this lengthy critique, it should be borne in mind an idea by agreeing to make Thor, Kenneth Branagh has engaged in the most difficult adjustment that is Marvel, far from the comfort of a techno-scientific or Iron Man a Hulk. To coexist in a single film of SHIELD agents and desolate plains of Jotunheim (the world of Ice Giants), to interact blond god worshiped the Vikings with our good old Earth, this is easily acceptable in the pages of a comic -book, but the movies, if we are to avoid falling into the ridiculous, that's another matter ... However, Branagh has successfully met this challenge by offering a rich picture film, full of courage and action. On entering the room, the majority of the public, Thor will a blank page, a vague mythological figure who was not connected so far to the Marvel universe. But coming out with this perfect introduction to the character, the audience will want to do is find the superhero in the movie that we all, The Avengers.
Let's start with history, which in my opinion, one of the greatest strengths of the film. At first, Thor is a superhero: he is a god. He has power. It is a divine essence, is a son of a king, it's just his nature. For Kenneth Branagh, is a huge advantage: it can immediately pick up the viewer into the action without having to explain for an hour how the hero acquires his powers, how he comes to accept his mission, etc. ... Thor movie differs so all his classmates, often the narrative scheme agreed too. It turns out that the choice of the director (an expert in Shakespearean dramas) is quite logical when you look at the finished product: Thor is a proud prince, warrior and on top of his glory, who will know the disgrace and exile before reborn differently. This is the first blockbuster whose theme is a family drama in costumes and capes!
In the same way that Robert Downey Jr. IS Tony Stark, Chris Hemsworth will always Thor. Its interpretation, many times of concern, is perfect, especially since his character undergoes a real psychological transformation (that is the key to the film), which requires him to play a multitude of feelings and attitudes. Presented as brash, boastful, won (but brave), Thor is initially an anti-hero, far from the image of the ideal king. Hemsworth has fun, he has a stature to match its war ambitions, and he sketched the monster for breakfast. It is a pleasure to see a character mocking the conventions, orders, and who does not hesitate to follow his courage rather than his head. But Hemsworth is never better than when he hits bottom, brushing a fallen god very convincing, which only reborn more heroic than ever at the end of the film. At each moment of life to his character, the Australian actor is just in a much more complex than those proposed by Marvel Studios thus far.
To accompany it, two Oscar-winning actors. I do not need to draw you a picture: take out your comics, look at representations of Odin: Anthony Hopkins stick fully to the character. He brings a strength and determination is reflected in his every word. Listening to rant against his son, or recite a monologue, as if it was present in the cinema before us on a stage. Odin is supposed to be the "Father of all things" and I can assure you that at no time, no doubt this claim! Natalie Portman inherits the role as daredevil. Originally a nurse, Jane Foster is here transformed into science, to enhance its status and its place in the plot. Give relief to the traditional "hero's girlfriend" is not easy: thankfully the chemistry between Portman and Hemsworth works well on screen. These are not the best moments of the film, but we are far from the silliness of a Star Wars Episode III! And it is simply impossible to resist her cute smile. After Black Swan, we see the radiant and in love, to the delight of Thor.
I had real fears about the role of Loki. Too often focused on their heroic figures, the Marvel movies have sometimes neglected to Thor (sorry, this is the first and last time) the evil characters. Now Tom Hiddleston has captured all the subtleties and postures of his character. His Machiavellian plan is logical, reasoned, not wildly original, but believable. Angel face, but viper's tongue, Hiddleston makes turns innocent, charming, naughty, but at the same time moving (a little family secret that fans know ...). It appears, disappears, emerges from behind a column at the option of the film: it's like a box of comic!
Coming to the Warriors Three and Sif, the kind of characters that only fans around the corner! Rest assured, they are present and well characterized: Fandral, just in his fighting style, is still blazing, the portly Volstagg did not give up the chair ... Only Hogun is back - but at least make a feature film for five hours ... As for Sif (Jaimie Alexander, lovely) girl power is in action, and is entitled to his little moment of glory. Key person (sorry), the keeper of the bridge Bifröst, Heimdall: difficult to judge the performance of Idris Elba, since it is fully helmet, but he exudes calm and strength, the vocal part of his role is assured with brio ! I was going to forget Kat Dennings plays Darcy. A role that gives freshness and humor to the film, but her character is somewhat useless, I learned more about it in the press that during the meeting.
Paradoxically, Thor Marvel Studios film is the most humane, the more earthy. It shows a family tearing itself apart. We see the inhabitants of a small town American in their daily life (bars, kitchen). Branagh and takes the time to put his camera in planes calm that only a director like him could offer us. After Stark and Banner, we literally descend back down to Earth. Moreover, what we must understand is that the film Thor is respectful of both characters and the universe. And just that, a fan, it's good as gold! Turning now to the more technical aspects of the film, which comprise the few criticisms that I came out of the meeting.
Regarding implementation, it seems pretty good, with some choices that could have been avoided. Examples include the use of slow motion: within Snyder called here, they are useless. Especially during a dramatic scene, where the intensity of the moment due to fly planes and endless syrupy music (I'll). We must speak of the action: if the film was the level of the first half hour throughout, it would have been perfect. Unfortunately, there is a lack of scale in the fighting that followed the introduction. It's either too short or not fully legible, then it would have taken these sublime moments: because seeing Thor with his hammer and his red cape, fight an enemy, I dare say is BEAUTIFUL! Caution, Thor, not bored in his chair, far from it: Thor against the Giants Ice against the Destroyer, Loki cons, there's plenty to do. But it lacks a little something (it was also the case for Iron Man's first name with his final ships - Marvel under its custody for the Avengers, that must be it !)... This lack of scale is fortunately offset by the strength of the story and the actors' performance. And also keep in mind that this is the first blockbuster of Branagh ...
Let us pause on the visual aspect of the film. It is easily the richest of all superhero movies. Hundreds of costumes, and especially the fascinating Asgard. Posed on a rock, shiny like a drawing by Jack Kirby, his futuristic convinced me, while I am in favor of a more medieval. If the action is sometimes set back, sets and plans of the city are not (same for Jotunheim). It would also make further exploration! A word about 3D, so the topic is related: the returns are generally positive, I would not allow myself to judge on a single session. The relief is neither good for the film, nor bad: it does nothing. I hope (I think) it will be quite different in Imax 3D! Precisely because, 3D darkens screen images: there is no need to worry about the side "foil" of Asgard and its scenery! Again, a 2D session will see more clearly.
Talk about the score by Patrick Doyle: There's good and bad. The excellent with action scenes and the heroic theme that fits perfectly with the film's atmosphere and character of the character. That chivalrous epic, especially one retains the melody! This was not the case with Iron Man and Hulk. To bad, it's intimate scenes with the famous moment in the middle of the film, where a sort of syrupy music came to me to spoil the show. Fortunately, the best successor to worse just after the heroic theme returns, Thor returned, and was limited to the verge of tears because it was so beautiful (you see, you see!). For we must recognize one thing the duo Branagh-Doyle: There was a time not to be missed, and they were right! When I think for a moment, that's the kind of scene that will fill the movie The Avengers, I do not know what to say as it will be huge!
Since we're on a site for connoisseurs ^ ^, talk about cameos, winks and other surprises, without revealing anything, I assure you. "Errors" Iron Man 2 appear to have been digested by Kevin Feige and studio fans have their share of surprises, but there is this need more explanation could parasitize the good march of history . SHIELD is there in force (it is a given integrated after three films), Hawkeye is entitled to his little time, artefacts are hidden ... I jumped on my chair, you'll jump on yours too, but 99% of people will not see / understand or only when The Avengers. The post-credits scene in this regard is a perfect example: a treat for fans, but a mystery to ordinary mortals. Let's just say that in terms of intensity, we must admit it was hard to do better than The Avengers / Nick Fury in Iron Man, and the hammer of Thor in Iron Man 2 ... A word on the end: Surprisingly ... But resonate with our times: Marvel offers a saga on an unprecedented scale, and not just a movie "unitary"!
To conclude, I loved the epic filmed by Kenneth Branagh. The foundation for understanding the character are raised, thanks to a solid story and actors in perfect keeping with their role. From a visual richness never seen a movie Marvel scope of the story would still have benefited from increased during the action scenes. But by Odin's beard, I want to return as quickly as possible to review this brave son of Asgard fight to revive his downfall and rebirth, and vibrate again after the prince become a future Asgardian Avenger!
+ Pictures of the press projection's goodies :
http://lestoilesheroiques.blogspot.com/2011/04/thor-ma-critique-du-film-votre-avis-sur.html
