Of all the Marvel comic book movies, I thought Thor would be the most problematic. Instead of just dropping some fantastic circumstance into a world we’re familiar with, Thor had to explain the concept of Asgard and Norse gods. Also, it wasn’t really an origin story as Thor enters the story having already realizing his full-strength unlike Tony Stark or Peter Parker. That said, I thought they did a good job for the most part.
I found this movie highly entertaining but I don’t know if it really deserves to be considered one of the best films of the year. Actually, 2010 was been a pretty substandard year for film so I guess Black Swan would be one of the best pictures by default.
Natalie Portman was great as Nina Sayers. She was so delicate and on edge for most of the film, always looking as if she was one harsh word away from dissolving into tears. Her performance and the atmosphere of the film in general reminded me of Rosemary’s Baby.
I found it interesting that in Black Swan and in Darren Aronofsky’s last film, The Wrestler, a last leap is prominent in the conclusion.
One final note: If there is ever a reason to not get too much plastic surgery, look no further than Barbara Hershey.
Nominations I’d Like To See: Best Picture, Best Director for Darren Aronofsky and Best Actress for Natalie Portman.
