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The Norse god of thunder, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), is banished from the mythical land of Asgard by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins). In turn he is forced to live amongst humans on earth in hope that he may learn some humility. Meanwhile, brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) assumes the throne as king of Asgard but has a darker plan in store for the universe. Now it’s up to Thor to return home and set things right; and, with the help of his human friends, Jane (Natalie Portman), Darcy (Kat Dennings), and Erik (Stellan Skarsgard) he might stand a chance. Self sacrifice must be made, but who will pay the most? This latest Marvel comic, um excuse me– graphic novel, to be translated to screen comes at a time when many fans of the genre have grown weary of over-hyped stale plots, CGI madness to the point of lunacy, and poorly acted heroics; however, I’m proud to report, while the film isn’t void of these points, it still gets a lot right. For being a lesser character in the Marvel world, a fleshed out screenplay that blends Norse mythos with modern lore makes for an interesting colourful story. Albeit, a fair amount of the dialogue was pretty wooden, but that’s almost expected, we’re watching a brute swinging a hammer, not a Rhodes scholar, so that gets a pass. Meanwhile, and disappointingly, Oscar winner Natalie Portman phones this one in and
brings little to the table, but she has nice hair….mmmmm…I still can’t give her a pass…The film’s action and battles feel compelling and interesting, and, since many of us don’t know Thor’s character line it’s anyone’s guess how things might turn out. Overall, it’s big, it’s loud, it’s fun, mission complete. Thor is rated PG-13.

Sabrina Watson (Paula Patton) is an up and coming woman from Martha’s Vineyard, the love of her life, Jason (Laz Alonso), is and up and comer from Brooklyn. When the two rush to get married the fireworks begin to fly as in-laws sniff each other out and assert their family values on the happy couple to be. As life happens and stress mounts Sabrina and Jason are challenged and tested, can their love prevail or will their differences prove to be too great, and, who wants to do the Cupid Shuffle? So basically we’re talking country mouse city mouse with a wedding and wild relatives, not exactly a fresh idea or screenplay. However, I’ve neglected to mention the film centers around two African-American couples and families, and therein lies the twist– and what makes this film fun. Gently poking fun at family traditions within the culture the screenplay adds a flavour that proves either humorous, educational, and sometimes both depending on your life experiences. However, there’s also a bit of preachyness to the film’s guts that sometimes comes across a little cringe worthy. All and all the film shakes out as a mediocre romantic comedy, it’s fun, but I’m thinking more matinee/rental here. Jumping the Broom is rated PG-13.