[Sailor Steve]

Just saw the first showing at our local Megaplex this morning.

Great movie? Of course not.

Good movie? Maybe. Depends on what you like.

Good summer popcorn flick? Oh yeah.

Good genre movie? I'd say if you liked the Iron Man movies you'll like Thor. Well written, good action, good acting, good direction from Kenneth Branagh. I was unfamiliar with Chris Hemsworth, who does a very good job in the title role, starting off as the arrogant jerk who actually deserves his banishment, but learns from the people around him and grows into a hero. Anthony Hopkins is Odin, Rene Russo is Frigga, Thor's mother, Natalie Portman is the love interest/spunky and smart scientest, and Stellan Skarsgård is good as her mentor. Also unfamiliar to me was Tom Hiddleston, who is nicely both sinister and sympathetic as Loki, who, as with any good villain, is really trying to do what he feels is best for all involved.

Special effects are spectacular, but don't distract too much from the story or overpower it, which is as it should be.

All-in-all I didn't think my money was wasted. Had a good time.