Let’s get one thing straight…I am not a movie critic. In fact, I am the furthest from it. When I go to the theater, I like to just show up and watch the next film that is playing. This way, I never get disappointed because I haven’t gotten overly excited to see a particular film. I haven’t been swayed by those movie guys on the radio that break down how funny, realistic, or action packed the film is. Don’t get me wrong, I do love to go to the theater, quoting lines from movies, the popcorn, over-sized beverages and mostly watching actors portray the human element on the big screen. So, when I got home from work last week, sat down on the couch beside my hubby, I was thrilled when he blurted out “Let’s go see a movie.” The cost of a movie ticket is pretty ridiculous, especially when a monthly subscription to Netflix gives us access to so many great films. His enthusiasm to get out of the house was refreshing. Well, the next movie playing was Thor 2: The Dark World. He’s really into the Avengers so I thought, why the heck not! I literally knew nothing about this movie except that, I remember enjoying the first film.
I enjoy a good number of action films with fast car/boat/plane/train/motorcycle chases as well as fires, bombs, explosions etc. But, for me, what keeps me hooked is finding the lovable flaws in the characters and watching the growth because of having met the other characters. The journey is endearing, raw, and when well written, relate-able. Thor 2: The Dark World delivered all of these things.
Since the film at the time of this posting is still out in theaters, I’ll refrain from going into too much detail, but I will share my favorite overall general theme. Natalie Portman plays Jane Foster, the main love interest to Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth. Throughout the entire film, Thor defends Jane as a “strong, smart and brave woman.” Over and over again, big, brawny, Thor sticks up for this woman and her character. This is where I give director Alan Taylor a huge standing ovation because not once in the film does Jane get naked, nor is she portrayed as a mere sexual being.
I know this is probably very disheartening for many men, as there have been more than a handful of gentlemen that I know that would jump at the change to spend just 15 minutes with her. Natalie Portman is undoubtedly a beautiful women. So, I am still impressed that Hollywood decided to honor her character’s wit and smarts by refusing to portray her as anything other than how Thor views her. This is a huge and risky step for Hollywood that did not go unnoticed. I applaud the risk and really think this move paid off.
Again, I admit, I am not a movie critic and leave the critiques for the professionals; I am just a lover of movies and their flawed characters. Thor and Jane were not without their flaws in this film, but I am delighted to report that instead of belittling Jane’s character to a mere sexual being, we, the audience get to enjoy Jane Foster just as Thor does: a strong, smart and brave woman. Like Thor, many men find that the women who play major roles in their lives are also strong, smart and brave and deserve to be recognized as such without also being deemed as sexual beings first.
An unusual breakdown of the film, I’m aware but, I hope this doesn’t deter gentlemen from seeing the film. Thor was unexpectedly funny with just as much action and a few twists and surprises as well. I’ll recommend staying until after ALL the credits as there are a couple of scenes.
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