The Mighty Thor not so mighty

"Thor" is not only a classic Marvel superhero, but he is also a god based on European Mythology.  Marvel  takes great detail in creating a vast mystical universe for Thor to originate from.  There is nothing blatantly wrong with the film.  It has all the elements of a great super hero movie: the lead is well cast, the supporting cast is solid, great action sequences, and good villains.  Where "Thor" falls short is in its character development especially between Thor and  Jane Foster. We as an audience are supposed to believe that they have built this mutual love for each other, but that connection has never been established on screen.                             

It would have been interesting to learn about the mythology of Thor in how he gains his powers, the origins of his hammer, and how long has he lived.  What the film does well is in its action sequences.  There are breath- taking CGI that create realistic mystical beings for Thor to battle with.  One of the best action sequences has no special effects at all.  It is just Thor fighting hand to hand with shield agents.  Marvel has done a very well job of trying to connect all of its superheros together for the Avengers movie. 

"Thor" is a very good movie, just not a great movie.  The problem with the movie is that I was expecting greatness.  If we judge it on our own merits, it is a very entertaining well produced superhero film.  Avoid at all cost the 3D.  It does nothing to enhance the film and is a waste of money.  The 3D was added post production and it was rushed.  The 2D is more than enough for you to enjoy the film. 

All photos by Joel Arnold

Well Adjusted

Do we have free will or do we just have the appearance of free will?  That is one of the questions that is examined in the movie The Adjustment Bureau. Matt Damon plays a young promising politician with a bright future ahead of him.  Greatness seems to be at his footsteps.  Is this because of his hard work, charisma or is it that his destiny has already been planned out by agents known as The Adjustment Bureau?                                                                                              

http://www.theadjustmentbureau.com/index.php

This film is a very clever science-fiction/love story.  There is good chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt.  The more they fight to be together, the more resistance they face from The Adjustment Bureau who have different plans for their lives.                                                                                                                                                     

The Adjustment Bureau works well on many different levels.  There is beautiful set designs coupled with great cinematography.  There is solid direction and a very good supporting cast.  Where the film falls short of being a great movie is in the middle of the film where it seems to drag a bit.  There are some holes in the science of how The Adjustment Bureau works. 

Overall it is a very solid film.  I like the idea that we must fight for our own destiny.  The Adjustment Bureau could have been a better movie, but fell a little short.  If it comes on television or if you decide to rent a movie, it comes highly  recommended.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/adjustment_bureau/                                                                                                                                                                              

Preview for next week:  The Might Thor.