The movie Thor (2011) [N] Holywood Film Critique Essay

The movie Thor (2011) [N] Holywood Film Critique - Essay Example The titular character is the eldest son of Odin, the King of Asgard. As such, he has been prepared to eventually take on the mantle of leadership. The young prince is, as one might expect, proud and impetuous. Some would say, ill-equipped to fully understand the ramifications and intricacies of rule. So, it hardly comes as a surprise that when frost giants, the Asgardians’ defeated enemy, infiltrate the palace on the day of Thor’s succession, the once and future king is eager to retaliate despite his father’s express orders not to do so. Instead, the young prince takes some of his friends to the frost giants’ homeworld, demanding they answer for the attack on Asgard. Thor’s foolish actions nearly result in the outbreak of war were it not for the timely intervention of Odin. As punishment for his egregious lapse in judgement, Thor is stripped of his power and cast out. He soon finds himself on Earth where, as fate would have it, he meets Jane Foster, a brilliant young physicist that specializes in studying wormholes. Back on Asgard, Odin falls into a coma, which allows his younger son, Loki, to assume power. Of course, this is all part of Loki’s plan to seize power. As the film unfolds, Thor’s experiences on Earth temper his youthful impetuousness and teaches him the true meaning of rule. This culminates in Thor making the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life so that Earth might be spared. Interestingly enough, his heroic act restores his powers. The two brothers fight and eventually Loki is defeated. Thor’s transformation throughout the film highlights an interesting shift in our notions of â€Å"heroes† or â€Å"champions†. At the start of the film, Thor is pretty much a â€Å"champion† in a pre-Christian sense of the word. He is strong, brave, and eager for battle. But by the film’s end, Thor has transformed into a somewhat messianic figure. In fact, this is