Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is about to assume the throne of Asgard from his aging father Odin (Anthony Hopkins). As he is about to be dubbed king, the Frost Giants, the archenemies of the Asgardians break into the palace, interrupting the ceremony. Vowing vengeance, Thor and his friend cross into the land of the Frost Giants, against the command of Odin. This attack breaks the truce between the Frost Giants and the Asgardians. (I just like saying that word. It makes me laugh every time. Yes, I’m 12, mentally.) Thus, Thor is exiled to Earth. His almighty hammer (Also fun to say is “mewmew” or whatever he calls his hammer. I still have no idea. This was laughed at in the movie, as well. Gotta love Norse languages.) follows him. Yet, he cannot retrieve it until he proves himself worthy (very Sword in the Stone-like theme here).

Meanwhile, on Earth, scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) has been studying electromagnetic disturbances. During one of these phenomena, Thor comes to Earth. As they spend time together, Thor and Jane start to fall in love.

Back on Asgard, Thor’s jealous brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), takes over as king. Upon learning some very disturbing news, Loki decides to let the Frost Giants exact their revenge on the Asgardians. (See? Still funny.) Thor’s friends sense that something isn’t right with Loki’s motives. They go to Earth to bring him home to make things right.

Loki sends the destroyer to Earth to kill Thor and his friends. Can Thor prove his worthiness in time to retrieve his hammer and save both Earth and Asgard?

If you’re going to see Thor, I highly recommend spending the extra bit to see it in 3D. First, I’m continually impressed with 3D imagery done these days. Second, there’s nothing like having a hammer thrown in your face for an hour and a half. Third, Chris Hemsworth (If Brad Pitt and Heath Ledger had a baby, and that baby did steroids, his name would be Chris Hemsworth-Pitt-Ledger. When I heard him talk, my first thought was Heath in A Knight’s Tale. And he looks like a mix of the two.) deserves for you to see this in 3D. It has to be a lot of pressure to be shirtless in movies these days. I know I wouldn’t do it.

It’s your typical superhero/graphic novel movie. With your typical superhero/graphic novel storyline. And typical superhero/graphic novel action. 3D aside, the story is good and the action is good. My only complaint is that with 3D action movies, there is so much going on and I feel obligated to watch every inch of the screen. (This makes for slow consuming of my Monte Cristo, as pointed out by my wife. It was still delicious, though.)

This is one of the many introductory movies to The Avengers movie that is slated for next year. (Along with Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, to name a couple.) Don’t expect anything Oscar-worthy. It’s a comic book movie. But if you enjoy that type of thing, you won’t be disappointed. It’s safe for the kids, too, in my opinion. I have no idea what warranted the PG13 rating.