Oddly enough, Thor is a coming of age story. It starts with Thor being the upstart, brash, impudent prince of Asgard starting needless fights, that could escalate into war. To teach him a lesson, his father Odin punishes him by taking away his powers and exiling him to Earth. He’s there until he grows up and understands what it means to be a leader because he’s eventually going to replace The All Father. His half-brother Loki of course, is there to make sure he never gets the throne, and takes advantage of Thor’s absence. The movie therefore is a lesson in humility so that Thor might find his place and stop his brother’s plot.
What I liked about the movie was that it wasn’t afraid to make fun of the God of Thunder. For example, when he’s on Earth Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) is looking for him, backs up her jeep and runs Thor over. Then he goes out to eat with Foster and likes what he’s drinking and smashes his cup on the floor and demands more. Finally, he’s looking for a horse so he goes to a pet store and asks for one.
Like all Marvel movies the film is full of Easter Eggs. For instance, Foster gives Thor some clothes and there’s a name tag on the shirt he’s given that says Donald Blake. In the comics Donald Blake was Thor’s earthly identity. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) is discussing with Foster the appearance of SHIELD and says he knew of a scientist who worked on Gamma radiation, SHIELD showed up, and he disappeared. That’s a reference to Bruce Banner who is the Hulk. The movie had the first appearance of Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) who would later join the Avengers.
This was a very good start to the Thor character with drama, action, and a tale of how to be humble
C