Gimme Five: Ancient Myths

Wrath of the Titans comes out this week and I couldn't care less. Actually, I could, except that I want to save everyone from watching the sequel of one of 2010's biggest let downs. But if you're still looking for that ancient mythical epic or drama (or, uh, animated family flick), I've got a few suggested rentals instead.

5) Hercules

OK, so it's Disney, but if you (like me) have a soft spot for children's animated movies and you haven't seen this one yet, you should. It's cute and charming, not to mention also has a pretty good soundtrack. (Side note: Why isn't this called Heracles?)

4) O Brother, Where Art Thou?

This is one of those movies that you either get or you don't. In this case, it's reliant on whether or not you're familiar with Homer's Odyssey. On the bright side, even if you don't get but you're a Coen brother fan, you'll still love it for it's quirky humour and style (ie. that indefinable Coen-ness).

3) Thor

Here's where things get epic. Though this is based on the comics, which is based on the Norse god, and isn't truly mythological, it was part of a recent string of really amazing Marvel movies (the next month, X-Men: First Class, followed by Captain America: The First Avenger). If it's any indication, the seemingly over-hyped Avengers will actually be all it appears to be.

2) Troy

It took me too long to get around to seeing this movie but it became an instant favourite once I finally got to it. Based on Homer's Illiad, it's stunning, dramatic and gripping. If you haven't seen this movie, consider yourself lucky that you're still yet to experience it's brilliant epicness for the first time.

1) 300

Though more historical exaggerated to mythical proportions, this movie is as epic as epic gets. It's brutal, hyperbolic, gorgeous and tragic. It's been quoted and parodied beyond measure. It's everything you want in an ancient war epic. And even if you've already seen it, a re-watch is always warranted.

Thor

 Photo: allmoviephoto.com

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins. Directed by Kenneth Branagh. 103 minutes. PG

I don't know much about Thor, neither comic book hero nor mythological god. And I have to admit, although there was a lot of hype about this film, I wasn't looking forward to it much. That being said, this film did pass my expectations. Expectations which weren't too high and not by much.

According to this film, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is a battle-hungry, trouble-seeking god with competitive brother issues. He's also heir to the throne until his aforementioned traits leads his father, King Odin, to banish him from the heavens, sending him powerless and hammerless to earth. Odin also deems that whoever finds and wields the hammer of Thor shall also inherit his power. Meanwhile, bro Loki (Tom Hiddleston) uncovers a dark family secret and when Odin falls into a sleep, Loki assumes the crown. However, with the discovery of this dark secret, Loki sees his brother in a different light and sets out to kill him. Of course, Thor is now a mere mortal and doesn't stand a chance. Unless he has control of his hammer again.

I didn't see this film in 3D. I'm not a fan of 3D in general, and the fact that this film was only 3D-ized after it was shot makes it even worse. Though I haven't seen the other version, I feel like the non-3D version was a better experience. Imagining this film in 3D seems kind of unnecessary as there weren't many scenes that seemed to call for it. Sure, Thor thrashes his hammer around a lot but there's a lot more to the film than just the hammer. Actually, the majority of the film is about Thor coping without his hammer.

The cast was good. Just good, with the exception of Kat Dennings who was really funny and offbeat, as she's known to be, though exceptionally so. She seems destined for something bigger. Something with a massive cult-following. Hemsworth did well too, bringing an interesting child-like quality to Thor. And yeah, Natalie Portman was in it too, but isn't she in everything these days? (I apologize for any hints of my post-Black Swan grudge.)

Though possibly one of the best parts of the film was the very end. No, I don't mean the fact that it was over, but rather the teaser after the credits. Seriously, it should be a rule for all comic-based films to have some sort of cliffhanger, ie. "In our next issue..." Honestly, I will see The Avengers thanks in huge part to these lead-ins. And because Thor wasn't so bad after all too. B