Thor

The superhero movie is a genre that I find to be one of the hardest to pull off. You have to respect the fans but you also have to deal with newcomers. The movie has to be fun but it can’t be too silly. A lot of the “magic” of the superhero movie depends on the special effects—but they can’t be allowed to be the main focus .

Despite these contradictory requirements, some superhero movies have been very successful: the original Superman, the Tim Burton Batman movies, Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, The Dark Knight and Iron Man (and its sequel in parts). I think Thor can officially be added to this list.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, who has previously been behind and in front of the camera for numerous critically-acclaimed Shakespearean adaptations, Thor stars Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek) and Natalie Portman (Oscar winner for Black Swan). The supporting cast includes Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins, Kat Dennings (Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist), Stellan Skarsgard (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End) and relative newcomer Tom Hiddleton.

The movies tells the story of Thor (Hemsworth), son of King Odin (Hopkins) of Asgard, and his rivalry with brother Luki (Hiddleton). After disobeying his father, Thor is exiled to Earth, stripped of his powers. He is found by Jane Foster (Portman) and her team of scientists Darcy Lewis (Dennings) and Erik Selvig (Skarsgard). Thor must find a way to find his hammer Mjolnir, regain his power and save his kingdom.

This movie does a nice job in balancing the Shakespearean elements of the story with some gentle comedy. The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously and yet the dramatic tones are fully fleshed out. This is due to the game cast, who all perform exquisitely, and the well thought-out screenplay.

Branagh himself is an interesting choice for director but he directs the film with a steady hand. His experience with Shakespeare is really what makes this film so different than other superhero movies. The movie is elegant, which is refreshing in a time when superhero movies try to be either gritty or silly.

I've got to hand it to Hemsworth; he handles his first leading role with aplomb. His performance is assured and confident. His co-star Portman gets to show off her brainy but comedic side and it is a major treat to see her. These two are the true standouts from the film an even those who don’t enjoy superhero movies can enjoy their acting. Thor is a very pleasing action movie, with plenty of meat on its bones to satisfy all audiences.

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Danielle Panabaker's Top Pop Picks
- Favorite Band: The Avett Brothers
  
  "I'm really into the Avett Brothers as of late."
- Favorite Book: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
  
  "My girlfriends are I - we are very nerdy. We started a book club and the first book we read was Gone Girl."
- Favorite New Movie: Silver Linings Playbook
  
  "I thought it was a great film and I thought Jennifer Lawrence was incredible, you know those angry tears, I've certainly experienced that."
Paul Van Dyk: Current Favorites
- School of the Seven Bells
  
  The New York-based band unites Benjamin Curtis of "Secret Machines" and Alejandra Deheza. Formed in 2007, the duo is named after a mythical South American pickpocket training academy of the same name.
- Linkin Park
  
  The Californian rock veterans have come a long way since 'Hybrid Theory.' Back now with their fifth studio album in over a decade, 'Living Things' is one of Paul Van Dyck's favorite albums this year.
- Jupiter Jones
  
  The German punk rock band formed in 2002, but has already released several LPs, including an eponymously-named album in 2011.
- Depeche Mode
  
  The legendary Essex electronic band from the 80s remains a classic for Van Dyk. It was also recently among 'Q' magazine's "50 Bands That Changed The World!".
Cody Simpson
- Favorite Movie
  I'm still really into the Ocean's series. I got into them recently. I was always too young to watch them.
- Favorite Book
  This book called Contest by Matthew Reilly, he's an Australian author.
- Favorite Album
  Drake's Take Care — big fan of that
- Favorite TV Show
  The Mentalist
Styx's Lawrence Gowan
- Bossypants by Tina Fey
  
  "That’s got me laughing hysterically on airplanes."
- Making Mirrors by Goyte
  
  "I thought that was a tremendous record."
- The Artist
  
  "It really impressed me."
- Keane
  
  "They’re really strong."
90210's Michael Steger: My Favorite Stuff
- Favorite TV Show: Rome
  
  HBO's series starring Cirian Hinds
- Favorite Album: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
  
  "Either that or The Gypsy Kings."
- Favorite Book: The Fountainhead
  
  "Probably my favorite book of all time."
- Favorite New Movie: Attack The Block
  
  “It reminded me of The Goonies.”