Thor features solid direction from Kenneth Branagh, a rousing score from Patrick Doyle, and always stunning set design from Bo Welch. Tom Hiddleston gives the best performance in the film, as Thor’s jealous brother, Loki. No one else, including Chris Hemsworth in the title role, leaves much of an impression. Anchoring the film in utter mediocrity is a script as plain and predictable as they come. The relationship between Thor and Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) isn’t strong enough to serve as the driving force in the final act. I didn’t buy their love. I didn’t even buy their puppy love. For a ‘superhero out of water’ story, I would rank Masters of the Universe and Supergirl slightly higher. With Anthony Hopkins.

Sequel: Thor: The Dark World (2013)