Thor

I've never been especially keen on Marvel's Thor. As a literal god he is the definition of unrelatable and presenting him with a credible threat was always a little tricky, the comics invariably reaching into it's fractured  and rickety wider universe to do so.

Gluing Asgard into the edges of the Marvel film continuity was all rather weird and detached. Only the presence of S.H.I.E.L.D. distinguishes the movie from straight fantasy, and I felt it compromised the largely unfantastic world from which the heroes should stand in contrast, but I suppose this is all unavoidable in telling his story and I did like the way that it was presented as a strange scientifically advanced society rather than a purely magical one. Though not that this was explained clumsily. Twice.

Thor himself and indeed the film does have some pleasing themes, unusual angles on the whole hero thing. The manner in which he resolves the confrontations he has after learning his fathers lesson are suprising and effective, skilled uses of the character. Within the arc itself he begins with the powers and must learn to be a human, as opposed to the more usual direction; Interesting in theory, but I was left slightly unsure as to how this takes place. Mere time amongst humans seems to do the trick, as if humility is something acquired through osmosis. Either that or he learns that the lives of even his enemies are of value on the basis that Natalie Portman is an incredibly good kisser. Which is not impossible to believe.

Then there is also Loki, who is an excellent villain. He too goes through his own arc, which for want of subtlety is almost as compelling as his brothers. He has no grand scheme that is inevitably foiled, but is his own character who reacts and evolves. I was initially dubious of the actors slightly weaselly performance but found it worked well in contrast to his more substantial sibling, who would be hard pressed to look more the part of the thunder god.

While not the highest of bars, as super hero movies go the tale of the two brothers is a strong one, but also one hampered by the outlandish nature of the extraterrestrial Asgard. Having such a good villain as an integral part of the character genesis was a huge advantage, but existing in a magical realm populated by bombastic talking caricatures less so.

In all I find it hard to hate, and believe me I want to, but for every element I wish to malign there's justification and there are several that shine brightly enough to make me warm to it all.