Thor

The premise of this film is simple. All conquering immortal warrior, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is cast down to Earth by the Allfather Odin (Anthony Hopkins). It is now up to the new Earth hero to pick up the pieces and restore himself to full light while putting up with nattering of a very hot ineffective Natalie Portman. Thankfully it doesn’t take much away from the film as this Marvel franchise is being handled with aplomb by Kenneth Branagh. If only they had borrowed more from the Ultimate side of Thor…

Rating: * * +
PS: It seems like Tadanobu Asano is really hard up on cash!

13 Assassins

The Meiji restoration is at hand but the principals in the story are of course not aware of the unfolding of the future. All they see is Lord Naritsugu (Gorô Inagaki), the shogun’s half brother threatening to cause large scale internal strife with his psychotic ways. Shimada Shinzaemon (Kôji Yakusho), samurai par excellence is summoned from his quiet retirement and tasked to unofficially pluck this thorn from the nation’s side. Soon twelve men are picked and the blood bath is unleashed spectacularly on the audience. Takashi Miike brings back the spaghetti samurai “western” in a style long forgotten, interspersed with his unique brand of cruelty and sudden humor. Let the Total Massacre never end…

Rating: * * * +