Quickie Movie Review: "Thor"

Rated: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Stellan Skårsgard
Released: May 6, 2011 (theaters) / September 13, 2011 (DVD / Blu-Ray)

Synopsis
In the land of Asgard, King Odin (Anthony Hopkins) lets his son Thor (Chris Hemsworth) inherit his throne, much to the chagrin of Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Odin's other son.  After Thor starts a war with the denizens of enemy world Jötunheim, Odin banishes him to Earth, where he meets a group of scientists, including the lovely Jane Foster (Natalie Portman).  Loki is ready to wreak havoc on both Earth and Asgard, and it seems that Thor is powerless to stop him.  Will he save his world and ours, and claim his rightful throne?
Based on stories from Marvel Comics.

My Review
This movie's story is wonderful; if I hadn't been having tech issues this past week, I'd have gotten through it much sooner.  It definitely gripped me, and held me to the end.  All of the actors are amazing, especially Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth as the two leads.  The special effects are spot-on, and the soundtrack serves the movie well.  All of that made for a great viewing experience, which makes me excited to see what the sequel has to offer.  The only problems I had were some slight content issues--see below--that muddled things a bit...but only a bit.

Content Concerns

• Sex: Two kisses on the hand; one full lip-lock.  A woman makes references to a guy's appearance. 4/5
• Nudity: Thor is seen shirtless once or twice. A man's bare rear end is seen, but it's non-sexual. 4/5
• Language: At least four uses of the h-word, and six misuses of God's name.  The a-word and d-word are used once each. 3.5/5
• Violence: As usual for a blockbuster inspired by a comic book, fight scenes, explosions, and battles are common.  Humans, humanoid aliens, and various monstrosities get hit, kicked, punched, thrown, impaled, and, in a few instances, killed.  It's mostly bloodless, however, though one scene shows Thor with some nasty gashes on his face. 2/5
• Drugs: Wine and/or beer are consumed two or three times, and there is a reference to being "hammered". 3.5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Other than what was listed under "Violence," some of the alien beings could be scary.  Two characters nearly die, and one appears to commit suicide.  One near-death is emotionally intense. 1.5/5

Score: 4/5