Hammer time

SUPERHERO movies have become big business over the past few years, much to the joy of aging comic book nerds like myself and a whole new generation of fans.

Yes, there have been some big hits over the past decade such as Batman: The Dark Knight and a few misses too, notably, the first Hulk movie and Superman Returns, which flopped worse than a fat guy off a diving board.

However, now that the A-list heroes have had their time in the spotlight, it's time for some of the lesser-known characters to shine.

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Thor, a Norse God who gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'It's hammer time!'

This epic adventure from Marvel has been a long time coming and its success or failure (and the success of the eagerly awaited Captain America: The First Avenger) is monumentally important to setting up the Holy Grail of superhero movies ... The Avengers!

Set in a time when men were masters of their own destiny, in a place were legends were made, the mighty warrior Thor basks in his own grandeur.

However, as a result of his egocentric behaviour, he incites a war between the Gods of his realm of Asgard, much to the dismay of his father - Odin - the God of all Gods (Sir Anthony Hopkins).

As punishment for his actions, Odin banishes him to Earth to live among mere mortals and it is here that he meets physicist Jane Foster (Portman).

Oscar winner Portman must have found the role so refreshing after her laborious efforts on Black Swan. Her part requires little more than a girly giggle, a not so subtle flip of her hair and batting those beautiful eyelashes ... but she did it very well!

Meanwhile, Thor's disgruntled brother Loki sees his opportunity to seize control of Asgard and, while he's causing trouble anyway, sends a deadly force to destroy humanity too (I guess someone should switch to decaff).

So, as if being stranded on an alien world isn't bad enough for Thor, he must now assume the role of reluctant hero for a race he barely knows ... because let's face it, it's not like dainty Jane can help much, and I didn't see the X-Men around!

The relationship between Thor and Loki is the fabric that binds the plot together and takes an interesting look at sibling rivalry.

While living on Earth Thor discovers the humility he previously lacked and it does a world of good. However, only after defeating an opponent who is capable of killing him, will he know what it means to be a true hero.

What I found refreshing about this film is that Hemsworth didn't require any special effects to fit the role. He really is built like a tank and has a commanding presence for someone who is relatively unknown outside of Australia.

It would have been easy to cast someone like Brad Pitt in this role, he has tremendous talent, experience and a loyal following of fans who would all no doubt flock to see the film. But casting Hemsworth was a stroke of genius because he has a fresh and enthusiastic charm that oozes on-screen.

Hemsworth does a great job conveying all the confusion, passion and curiosity that you'd expect from an alien who is exiled to Earth and has to learn about a new culture. Some of the funniest parts of the film revolve around him learning about our customs and idiosyncrasies.

All in all, I have a feeling this film will be met with thunderous applause.

Showing in Cineco, Seef II and Saar Cineplex