Preview: Thor (2011)

So as the release of 'Thor', the story of a magnificent warrior sent down to earth as a punishment who comes to defend our planet, draws near its seems appropriate to take a closer look at this one. The element of this film that excites me most is that Kenneth Branagh directs it! It is a rather strange match and I will be interested to see if Branagh can pull a first class fantasy action out of the bag. Here's to hoping.

The film also includes an as yet little known actor as its lead man. Chris Hemsworth plays the mighty warrior in this one, but will it prove a gamble to employ a relatively unexperienced actor to such a major role? We all have to start somewhere though and I am hoping his performance will put to shame many of our 'action' heroes who, at times, lack any pretences of being macho. Hemsworth could provide a breath of fresh air in this department. If not we will be well spoilt with the talents of both Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman, two characters who have been very active of late in the movie scene.

What I hope most that this film will achieve is not to be nearly as cheesy as the description makes it sound. A mighty warrior sent to earth as a punishment who ultimately comes to love our fair planet and defends it with all his might. Unfortunately it all sounds slightly predictable. I'm sure a love interest with Portman will also be included. This film has plenty of potential to be a huge hit as it touches upon a fantasy character we have seen little of in film. However, it could end up being as one-dimensional as 'Clash Of The Titans'. Now we don't want to go down that road Kenneth so make sure it doesn't!

What To Look Forward To In 2011

Thought I'd have a quick break from reviews to take a look at what is coming soon and, more importantly, what is worth seeing. So hang onto your hats and get excited for what you can expect in 2011!
'Battle: Los Angeles' looks like it may attract a lot of attention when it comes to cinemas in March 2011. The film brings an alien invasion to LA, with a Marine force battling back against them. From what I have seen this film will be an attempt to mirror the success of 'District 9', and being a lover of the aforementioned flick, I am dying to see this. Unfortunately the only acting prowess we have to look forward to is Aaron Eckhart. Put a Wahlberg or a Foxx in the driving seat and I would be slightly more enthused. Still definitely one to watch though.
Are we excited about a film of the popular children's fairy tale 'Red Riding Hood'. When I saw Gary Oldman on the bill I certainly was. When I saw that the film's director will be Catherine Hardwicke however, I immediately closed the page. I'm sure here will be plenty of teen fans queueing for this take on a classic fable, but I will be avoiding it like the plague.
Ever wanted to see a superhero action film directed by Kenneth Branagh? I'm sure it has never even entered your mind. But 'Thor' will be hitting the big screen in April 2011. With a so far unknown Chris Hemsworth playing the lead, we have to hope that co-stars Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins will bolster the performance. It will be exciting to see just how the new guys does however. May wait for this on DVD, but I would still love to see it.
'Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides'.....PASS. The third one was bad enough. Take out Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley and you make it, somehow, even worse Not interested.
One I will definitely be in the queue for will be 'The Hangover Part II'. I just hope, with part one being as genius it was, that Part II won't go the way of so many sequels and fall by the wayside. This one has Bill Clinton in it! Get in the queue now!