5 Things About ‘Thor’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

‘Thor’ (2011) kicked off the God of Thunder’s journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing Norse mythology to life with a mix of cosmic drama and earthly charm. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, it introduces Chris Hemsworth as the brash Thor, alongside a stellar cast like Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, and Anthony Hopkins, blending epic battles with family tensions.

While I enjoyed the film’s bold visuals and character moments, some parts left me scratching my head, while others felt spot-on for the story. Below, I explore five elements that didn’t quite work and five that shone brightly, alternating between what confused me and what clicked perfectly.

Thor’s Instant Romance with Jane Made Zero Sense

Thor crash-lands on Earth and, within days, falls deeply in love with scientist Jane Foster. Their romance feels rushed and unconvincing, given they barely know each other. Thor’s a god from Asgard, and Jane’s a human astrophysicist, yet their bond develops with little buildup, relying heavily on a few shared moments and her fascination with his origins.

This quick love story lacks depth, making it hard to buy their emotional connection. The film pushes their romance as a key motivator for Thor’s growth, but without more time or meaningful interactions, it feels like a plot device rather than a genuine relationship.

Loki’s Complex Motivations Made Perfect Sense

Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki, Thor’s cunning brother, is a standout, driven by layered motives that feel authentic. Loki’s jealousy and desire for approval stem from discovering he’s adopted and not in line for Asgard’s throne, fueling his schemes to prove himself to Odin.

His mix of vulnerability and mischief makes him compelling. I found his actions believable because they’re rooted in a clear emotional struggle—wanting to belong while feeling overshadowed by Thor. This family dynamic adds depth to the story, grounding the cosmic stakes in personal conflict.

The Destroyer’s Sudden Defeat Made Zero Sense

The Destroyer, a massive Asgardian weapon sent by Loki to kill Thor, is a formidable threat that wreaks havoc in New Mexico. Yet, Thor defeats it almost effortlessly once he regains his powers, simply striking it with Mjolnir. This quick resolution undermines the Destroyer’s menace, built up as an unstoppable force.

The battle feels anticlimactic, especially since the Destroyer overpowers Sif and the Warriors Three earlier. I expected a tougher fight to showcase Thor’s growth, but the abrupt victory left the confrontation feeling hollow and inconsistent with the threat’s buildup.

Asgard’s Visual Grandeur Made Perfect Sense

The film’s depiction of Asgard, with its golden palaces and cosmic Bifrost bridge, is breathtaking and perfectly captures the realm’s mythical grandeur. Kenneth Branagh’s direction, paired with stunning visuals, makes Asgard feel like a majestic, otherworldly kingdom that’s both regal and alien.

This setting grounds the story’s Norse mythology roots while fitting into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s larger scope. I was drawn into Asgard’s world, which feels alive and distinct, setting a strong foundation for Thor’s cosmic adventures and making his banishment to Earth more impactful.

Thor’s Rapid Humility Lesson Made Zero Sense

Thor starts as an arrogant prince but learns humility in just a few days on Earth, transforming into a selfless hero. This shift feels too fast, given his centuries of brash behavior in Asgard. A brief stint with humans, including a quick romance and some diner chats, shouldn’t reshape his entire character so quickly.

The film rushes his growth to fit the plot, making it hard to believe he’s fully changed. I wanted more time to see Thor wrestle with his flaws, as the speedy transformation weakens the emotional weight of his redemption arc.

SHIELD’s Early Role Made Perfect Sense

The introduction of SHIELD, led by Agent Phil Coulson, ties ‘Thor’ neatly into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Their investigation of Mjolnir’s crash site and Thor’s arrival feels like a natural extension of the organization seen in ‘Iron Man’ (2008), setting up the broader superhero world.

Coulson’s calm authority and SHIELD’s scientific curiosity ground the film’s fantastical elements. I appreciated how their presence hints at the Avengers’ formation, making Thor’s story feel part of a larger, connected narrative without stealing focus from his journey.

Loki’s Frost Giant Reveal Made Zero Sense

Loki’s discovery that he’s a Frost Giant, adopted by Odin, comes out of nowhere and feels poorly explained. The film doesn’t foreshadow this twist enough, making it jarring when Loki’s hand changes after a Frost Giant’s touch. His sudden identity crisis drives the plot but lacks buildup.

This revelation also raises questions about Odin’s secrecy and Asgard’s history that go unanswered. I found it confusing because the film doesn’t explore how Loki, raised as an Asgardian, never noticed his true nature earlier, making the twist feel forced.

Thor’s Character Arc Foundation Made Perfect Sense

Thor’s journey from arrogance to heroism sets up a strong foundation for his growth across the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His banishment to Earth forces him to confront his recklessness, learning to value sacrifice and responsibility, which shapes his role as a protector.

Chris Hemsworth nails Thor’s shift from cocky prince to humbled warrior. I found this arc compelling because it establishes his core traits—strength, heart, and growth—making his later films, like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017), feel like natural extensions of this starting point.

The Frost Giants’ Weak Plan Made Zero Sense

The Frost Giants’ attempt to steal the Casket of Ancient Winters from Asgard’s vault is a major plot trigger, but their plan feels flimsy. A handful of giants sneak in, only to be quickly stopped by the Destroyer, suggesting they had no real strategy or backup.

This weak scheme makes the Frost Giants seem like ineffective villains, undermining the threat Thor wants to confront. I was left wondering why Laufey, their king, thought such a small, risky move would succeed, making the inciting conflict feel underwhelming.

The Shakespearean Tone Made Perfect Sense

Kenneth Branagh’s direction infuses ‘Thor’ with a Shakespearean vibe, fitting the story’s themes of family, betrayal, and redemption. The grand dialogue and intense dynamics between Thor, Loki, and Odin feel like a mythic drama, elevating the superhero genre.

This tone, paired with Anthony Hopkins’ commanding performance as Odin, gives the film a unique flavor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I loved how it balances cosmic stakes with human-like family tensions, making Asgard’s conflicts relatable and engaging.

What’s your take on ‘Thor’—any moments that confused you or felt pitch-perfect? Drop your thoughts in the comments!