Along with Iron Man (2008), Kenneth Branagh's Thor (which was released in 2011) kickstarted the behemoth we now know as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film, which is based on a comic book of the same name, tells the story of Thor, the Norse God of Thunder, who wields tremendous power that comes from lightning and the weather. An imposing man, Thor is poised to become the next King of Asgard upon the passing of his father, King Odin. However, after the Frost Giant attack (with a little help from his brother Loki), a wrench is thrown into those plans.
Subsequently, Thor is enlisted by his father to battle the Frost Giants and take control of Asgard once again. Although he succeeds, he makes a significant, arrogant error in doing so, resulting in his father taking his powers away from him and banishing him to Earth, where he meets a scientist named Jane Foster. The two forge a strong bond with each other and start a romantic relationship. In the end, after fighting Loki and the Frost Giants, Thor emerges victorious.
Although Thor wasn't as successful as Iron Man, it helped to kickstart the slate of Marvel films. Against a budget of $150 million, the film grossed nearly $450 million. In his review of the film, Chicago Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper wrote, "Thanks in large part to a charming, funny, and winning performance from Australian actor Chris Hemsworth in the title role, Thor is the most entertaining superhero debut since the original Spider-Man."
