Thor: Tales from Asgard

Ok, quick little tid-bit about me. I own all of these DC and Marvel direct to video animated movies. Yes I know that makes me a bit of a nerd but I am a movie fan, I love action films and I enjoy a good story. The fact that these movies are animated does not matter to me. The only one I do not own is Thor: Tales from Asgard. I finally got to watch the movie thanks to the wonder of Netflix and now I have to ask myself why? Why, when I was willing to suffer the crap that is All-Star Superman, was I not willing to take a chance on this one? Why, when all of the Marvel films so far have brought me at least some level of enjoyment did I not want to take a chance on Thor? Why?

I have no answer for you. I have failed you. I have failed myself. And more importantly I have failed Marvel. Ok so that is a bit of over dramatics, but the basic point is true. I didn’t give this movie a chance and that is my loss because as it turns out, it is a really good one. Really good among its peers, not the best, but certainly a fine story told through really good animation and characterization.

When Thor was young and unproven, back when his defining trait was his ego, not his hair or his hammer he set off on a journey. Along with his brother Loki (before the maniacal hatred and trickster stuff took full hold of him) Thor stows away on board the ship of the Warriors Three in search of the fabled sword of Surtur the fire demon who Odin had defeated years ago. The sword was lost in the land of the Frost Giants and to prove himself Thor wants to find it and return it to Asgard.

The sword like any great weapon wield great power, and with great power comes great responsibility. Even though that phrase belong to another Marvel hero, in truth it applies to them all and at one point or another they learn that lesson. It is in this adventure that Thor learns it. Having found the sword and travelling back to Asgard Thor and his friends are pursued by Frost Giants. Turning the sword on them he accidentally slays two of them. This act and the incursion into their lands by a son of Odin ignites a war between Asgard and Jotunheim (it’s a Norwegian name so it’s pronounced more like Yo-Den-Hime). Now Thor must find a way to stop the war.

So without giving away any of the twist, turns or plot surprises, let me just say that if you love super-hero, animation, action, comic book tales or any story featuring dangerous warrior chicks with a grudge against men then this is a film you need to check out.

Check out the trailer