Welcome to New Movie Hot Seat where each Saturday we will review new films that’s opened in theaters this week. We will have a live debate discussing the pros and cons of one of the newly released films, then vote if it’s worth the money. Also, each week we will put up a poll for consumers to vote, which film we will put in the hot seat next week.
Last week our viewers selected THOR for this Saturday’s New Movie Hot Seat discussion. So please join us.
The live debate will begin this Saturday: 5/7/ 2011 @ 3pE/8pUTC
Vote on which film we will review next week!
Our viewers selected the film “Everything Must Go” for the HOT SEAT.
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Ok, I just realized, I will not be here when the discussion starts, so I’m going to lay out m qustions:
1) Did the audience like it?
2) How were the special effects?
3) How was the acting by Chris, Natalie, and Anthony?
4) What was the overall theme?
5) Any life lessons, morals, things we can take away as an audience?
6) Did the ending leave an opening for a sequel?
7) Would you see it again?
8) Outside of Thor being eye candy for the ladies, are there other elements that will get the attention of a female audience?
Can’t wait to come back and read your thoughts. 🙂
Hi!
From what i remember about mythology. Thor is the God of Thunder right? Did the element of Thunder play into the movie at all? How close was the portrayal of the film character compared to the mythological story?
It was pretty close and it was clever the way it was referenced in the film.
O000! Awesome! I like when things are cleverly done instead of something so obvious. I think it shows a lot of creativity.
Hi Everyone-
Welcome to our Hot Seat debate. First let me say this film was way better than what I expected.
oh good. I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to the hype about it.
Sorry, I have a response for Littlebell’s questions below.
Hello all! I’m not quite sure what Thor is about. For me, I only know the mythology story and it’s place in history. So commic Thor is very confusing to me. I can’t seem to let go of the historical aspect which is propably the source of my confusion!
Ozzie-
I’m with u I did not read the comic book just read about it. LOL! Also, I was not sure if I would find THOR appealing. All I could imagine was him cracking skulls and gore. But it was not about that at all instead it was a story about humility, pride and courage. Also, it was funny. I really LOVED this film and thought it was up there with Superman and IronMan.
Oh that’s good. When I see it I should be able to put the history aspect aside then, lol!
Ozzie, other than being comicized the book/film direction and mythology don’t differ that much.
Cheers! I was thinking that my brain may short circut of the differences. “Does not compute” KABOOM type of thing! 🙂
hahaha! you and me both sister! 🙂
1) Did the audience like it?
ABSOLUTELY, I had to go to the bathroom at the end.
I saw a bunch of mulling around with smiles on
their faces after the movie,(at least 12 people).
I told them the movie wasn’t over. I knew by way of
fanboy gossip. all returned
2) How were the special effects?
EXCELLENT, All comic to film interpretations were
extra cool as well. CGI investment well worth it.
3) How was the acting by Chris, Natalie, and Anthony?
I think Anthony was my least favorite, but all were
their usual spectacular. Chris was very funny.
4) What was the overall theme?
Comic world wise it was an orign story. Focussing on the upbringing of Thor, his brother Loki, and Asgard in genral.
5) Any life lessons, morals, things we can take away as an audience?
Not sure, basically was a coming of age story.
6) Did the ending leave an opening for a sequel?
Absolutely and mentioned Thor would be in the Avengers.
7) Would you see it again?
Absolutely, have already made plans.
very cool.
Why was Anthony your least favorite?
answer below. really sorry slow typing.
Paris,
My answer to you is below. Sorry very slow typing.
Meant: Bunch of people
Thank you so much CR for answering my questions! I really do appreciate it. So 1) I need to wait once the credits roll–good to know. I missed that with Iron Man 2, 2) can’t wait to see the special effects, 3) I have high hopes for Chris so I’m glad he did a great job, 4) glad they focus on his upbringing because for someone who doesn’t know diddly about Thor, I would need this info for any future story line, 5) I’ll keep my eyes and ears open because there are toooooons of life lessons in coming of age stories 🙂 6) I figured. Isn’t Iron Man going to be involved with Avengers as well? I have no idea what I’m talking about, but I figured since Thor was thrown in at the end of IM2, there is going to be some connection and 7) Well if you are already making plans to see it again, then I know I won’t be disappointed.
i think LittleBells asked all my questions for me. 🙂
LOL!
No! I think Kenneth Branagh did a great job balancing the mythological background story with the present day.
The characters were all extremely well developed and flushed out.
Agreed.
LB-
The acting by Chris and Natalie were great. They had really great chemistry together. I loved how they made Jane into a scientist instead of THOR’s nurse which is what she was in the comic book. Thank goodness they changed that direction.
Is it a romance between them or just a friend helping a friend?
It was romantic and magnetic. U could see Natalie thinking. I loved the comedy banter between the two the most.
About Anthony, I thought he was only slightly over acting. I would not say that if I had I not been asked. I typically always believe his sophisticated mature gentlemen he plays. If he turns up the grandeur, I notion and obviously respond negatively. Please don’t assume he stunk up the joint, he absolutely did not. Branagh’s direction was brilliant for everyone.
What was her story line as a nurse? Why do you think a scientist was a better direction for her character? (Thanks to you as well for answering all my questions. 🙂 )
LB,
I’m answering for Open Book. Sorry for the misunderstanding, Jane Foster plays a nurse in the comic book back in the ’60’s. In the current movie, Natalie Portman is playing the same named character except in this version she plays is a astrophysicist. This scientist identity is probably a better fit for working women today.
Oddly Dr. Donald Blake was a colleague of hers though he is never seen. Comic book fans will recognize Donald Blake as Thor’s 1960’s secret identity. If you did not pick this up foster was nurse to Blake’s doctor.
So though there are similarities to the comic books, the movie does diverge occassionally to refine some plot points.
CR-
I really liked Anthony Hopkins he did not overact and allowed Chris and Loki to take center stage.
Still trying to back pedal, both he and Renee Russo did an impressive job of making the land of Asgard seem believeable.
Hmm! I’m not going to hand u a paddle. I won this debate. LOL!!
Paris, Ozzie & LB,
I think this film really goes out it’s way to appeal to women and I think it made a strong argument. Chris Hemsworth I’m sure will be burning up the internet after this film. He gave a strong performance plus it was a good story.
Hmmm, I did not know it was competition Saturday?
Yes!
Open book, I agree with your assessment. I’ve been leery of the fanboy tendency to get obsessively angry with filmmakers and mount aggressive campaigns against different aspects of the story.
Branagh proves that when film producers understand the source material they can do exceptional work.
I so agree. Plus KB has a real understanding of Shakespeare, which he so easily demonstrated in this film as well. I mean the way it flowed in and out so seamlessly it was quite impressive.
Thank you. Fanboys know the cahracter’s history but they don’t realize how decades of acting, theatre, and drama experience can shape an otherwise improbable fantasy narrative.
You totally lost me there, you two, but I’m going to trust you know what you are talking about. haha!
Everyone,
I’m going to go now because I just checked the Thor times and can make the next show. Plus I haven’t eaten yet. I’ll ttys.
O.k. Enjoy the show!! Come back and give us your review.
Have fun!
It’s times like these I hate living in a run down town (there’s hardly any entertainment like a cinema here) or that I can’t drive! Grrr!
don’t worry Ozzie. I’m sure the movie will be out for a while.
see you later.
…speaking to Paris…
I went to a early matinee and the theater was half full. Both mixed with male and female audience members.
Something I have to say. Is make sure u stay for the very end there is a surprise after the credits.
Thank you! CR said the same thing.
LB- The special effects were great it did not overwhelm the acting or the story. Also, I just loved Idris Elba’s and THOR’s costume the best.
I saw a interview with the actor who played LOKI. He said his helmet was really heavy.
He said when the lights were on the helmet fried his brain; which incidentally helped in situations where he needed to seem insane.
Yes! Costume Designer’s are good at helping actors really get into character. LOL
haha! THe costumes do look fantastic and I’m so glad everything seemed to come together.
Ozzie-
Has THOR opened yet in the UK?
It opened on the 27th April. I may have to re-asses my thought that we get movies a week or so later then the US!
So we are nearing the end of our review today.
CR-Was it worth the money? Would u recommend seeing it again and why? Do u think it’s a film that would appeal to both men and women and why?
Ozzie-
Do u have anymore Q.
I don’t think I have anymore.
Yes i would see it again.
Yes, this movie will likely appeal to women.
Yes, it was worth the money.
And Geek wise this movie does an excellent job of breaking George Lucas’s 30 year old lock on science fiction depiction. This story’s emphasis on a science and magic combination opens new worlds of other worldly action and representational interpretation. Had a great time.
I could not agree with u more. I think it’s worth the money and seeing again as well.
Well that’s it for today. New and returning visitors please give us your review.
Good bye.
Have a nice weekend everyone!
Good night all!
One last question for now:
How was the soundtrack? What kind of orchestration was used? Did you feel a certain theme for Thor and his world? I ask because when I hear certain music I think of the Nords or the Scots or the Irish….you know what I mean. SM has his theme, STAR WARS has it’s theme, etc…
Ok, I watched all the trailers for next weeks movie discussion. I really want to see City of Life and Death, but I was so depressed just watching the trailer, I’m gonna say no. I’ll wait till DVD. I think it will be outstanding, but I can’t afford to buy a new TV once I punch it trying to get the “bad guys.”
CR and Paris (since you seem to be the Japanese film lovers) I don’t know what to make of True Legend. I was completely baffled. Is it a parody? Is it supposed to be funny on some weird level? Or is it serious? When it’s a cross between the creators of Kill Bill and Crouching Tiger, I’m going a little nuts figuring out what genre this movie is.
Ok, I’m even more confused now….
LB,
I think you are mistaken; the experts are Ozzie and Paris.
Well I got 50 out of 50!! 🙂
So Ozzie, what do you think of True Legend??
Well, I’m not an expert either but as far as I can tell it’s supposed to be serious.
I’m going to have to pick Priest. It’s the only one out here!
True Legend is serious??? Oh my gosh! I so did not get that!! hahahahaha!!!! Thanks Ozzie. 🙂
The only negative critisim I have of the film. I thought the score for THOR was not memorable at all.
Ah, nutters!
What was it lacking in your opinion?
I have finally seen Thor! It was awesome. 🙂 I loved the sets the most but I thought the romance part was a little hokey for me. It seemed like “I hit you with my car twice, now i’m in love with you.” Didn’t get that at all. I loved all the action though and I thought Anthony Hopkins was the best out of everyone, I just love AH. 🙂
When did u see it? U have to elaborate more. LOL!
I think the love seen developed too quickly but the two of them made it work. The action was spectacular. It makes u want to run out and get a hammer. LOL! Did u stay until the very end to see what happened after the credits?
Also, I saw it again in 3-D it was quite an experience to see the action up close like that. It was AWESOME to see the production design with all it’s grandeur. I was thinking when watching this film, R would have made a good LOTKI!
I saw it yesterday with my mom. We didn’t stay until the end of the credits though, what happened? The love scene was convuluted. I don’t get how they fell for each other. I thought she liked him because she wanted him for her experiments. Chris Hemsworth though, OMG I would fall pretty quickly too. LOL R as Lotki? For some reason i can’t see R as a bad guy maybe a stalkerish type. I want Lotki’s power of projection just for the fact that there are not enough hours in a day and I can get a million things done at once. LOL
At the end of the credits reveals THOR will return in the Avengers by giving u a sneak peek at the Avengers. LOL! She wanted him for her experiments. I see how that could easily be concluded. I could be wrong but I got the impression it was Nightingale crushing between the two. She rescues him then he her. How do u think they could have improved the love scenes? I’m always curious to know your thoughts.
I could see R as a bad guy no problem. Especially Lotki because he’s such a mysterious and complex character. Don’t get me wrong the actor Tom Hiddleston who played Lotki was great. I just think R could easily play a character who evolves slowly overtime like Lotki. Especially after seeing his WFE performance and how he slowly turned the boyish character into a man right before your eyes.
I missed The Avengers. I’ll see it again at some point. 🙂 Anyhow, IMO they could have done without the kissing. I don’t think it added to the story any and thought it too confusing. I felt that they liked each other alot and looked out for one another and could see a romance possibly being explored in a sequel. She rescued him from the government and any physical harm while he was on earth and in return he rescued her by giving her the answers she was seeking for her experiments and getting her research back. At the end when he asked the gate keeper if there was a way back to earth its a given that he’s going to back for her. Also the gate keeper tells Thor that she searches for him. So they are both actively seeking each other out as a romantic partner anyway given the dialogue in the script. They didn’t need to push the fact that Thor and Jane had feelings for each other. It was apparent in the dialogue. Also actors say alot with their eyes so they didn’t have to kiss to prove they were hot for each other imo.
That’s true they did not have to kiss. Why do they do that? Gosh!! It just kills the anticipation and longing. I really don’t think foreplay is done well in films today. Everyone wants to show the player sliding into home. When everyone knows the excitement comes from watching to see if they will make it there. U are right actors do express a lot of emotion with there eyes. Great analysis as always!