Five Part Finale of Thor

It's Thor Day! Yes, I'm breaking down the God of Thunder from down under to take a close look at it's five part finale.

Marvel Studios' "Thor," directed by Kenneth Branagh, stands out as a unique blend of mythological grandeur and superhero bravado within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Released in 2011, the film not only delves into the journey of the Norse god of thunder, but also weaves in a compelling love story subplot! 

Thor, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth, is initially depicted as an impetuous and arrogant heir to the throne of Asgard. His reckless actions lead to his banishment to Earth, where his path crosses with astrophysicist Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman. This meeting marks the beginning of a subplot that is as much about love as it is about Thor's journey of self-discovery and transformation. The romance between Thor and Jane is integral to the story, offering a glimpse into Thor's humanizing vulnerability and adding a layer of relatable emotion to the film. 

The film's narrative structure, aligning with Blake Snyder's Save the Cat beat sheet, not only charts Thor’s evolution from a brash warrior to a worthy hero but also artfully incorporates his deepening relationship with Jane. This relationship serves as a catalyst for much of Thor's personal growth, making the love story -with it's handful of screen time- a key element in the film’s plot. It's through his interactions with Jane and the emotions they evoke that Thor begins to understand the values of humility, compassion, and responsibility.

1. Opening Image: The film opens with astrophysicist Jane Foster encountering some kind of cosmic anomaly event in New Mexico. She's not initially believed, even by her mentor, which immediately elicits empathy from the audience. And then she crashes into a mysterious figure. This sets the stage for a story that intertwines Earth and the otherworldly realm of Asgard as we flashback to Thor, who will turn out to be who Jane hit with her van.

2. Theme Stated: Early in the film, themes of humility, worthiness, and responsibility are on display. Odin, the king of Asgard and Thor's father, emphasizes the importance of wisdom and humility over brute strength to both his young son's Thor and Loki in a further back flashback.

3. Set-Up: In Asgard's more recent present day, we are introduced to grown Thor, the arrogant and powerful heir to the throne of Asgard. It's his crowning day, but you can see the reluctance on his father's face as Thor hams it up for the crowd. Just before he's about to be crowned, the palace comes under attack by Frost Giants, pulling away all of their attention to the scene of thwarted crime in one of the relic vaults. The Frost Giant's attempt to steal back their source of power (which happened to be an infinity stone) was thwarted by the Destroyer, which is an iron giant security system that spews fire.

4. Catalyst: Thor calls for war, which is father calmly denies. But Thor's not having it. He rallies his friends Sif and the Warriors Three (note that Sif is canonically the Thunder's god's true love, but instead it's the astrophysicists Jane) Thor's friends tag along on his impulsive decision to attack the Frost Giants. This reckless action leads to severe consequences of breaking the longstanding peace.

5. Debate: Odin shows up just in time. There's no debate. Odin is judge and jury. He dresses down his son, literally. He strips Thor of his power and his hammer Mjolnir and banishes him to earth to grapple with his loss and learn humility.

6. Break into Two: The break into the second act occurs when Thor, now powerless, starts his life on Earth. It takes him a minute to realize he has no powers and no status and fighting will get him nowhere. It's a true upside down Extraordinary world that a hero would venture into in the Hero's Journey.

7. B Story: The B story revolves around Thor’s developing relationships with Jane Foster and her team, as well as his brother Loki’s actions back in Asgard. 

Loki schemes to get the crown as Odin falls into a deep sleep.

Thor and Jane flirt as he dangles cosmic jewels in front of her. Jewels of knowledge, get your heads out of the gutter!

8. Fun and Games: In addition to the love story subplot, Thor has to try and regain his power and standing. He sneaks into SHIELDs stronghold to get his hammer, but he is no longer worthy enough to wield it. 

9. Midpoint: Thor is caught by the humans of SHIELD in the midpoint. He's given up as he sits captive and not answering any of Colson's questions. Then his brother appears with a glimmer of hope. But Thor learns from Loki that Odin has died and his mother has forbidden Thor from returning to Asgard. This false defeat deepens Thor's sense of loss and exile.

10. Bad Guys Close In: Loki consolidates his power in Asgard. Thor's friends, with the help of Hemdail decide to come toEearth.

11. All Is Lost: The "whiff of death" is felt when Loki sends the Destroyer to Earth to kill Thor so that he can never return. Thor’s friends and newfound allies on Earth are in danger, and Thor is powerless to protect them. 

12. Dark Night of the Soul: A fight is about to happen and Thor admits he will only get in his friend's way. Thor's realization that he is not worthy of his former power and that he has brought danger to his friends on Earth represents his lowest point and the complete stripping away of his ego.

13. Break into Three: The breakthrough comes when Thor sacrifices himself to save his friends and Jane from the Destroyer. But not before using the iron giant to speak to his brother and tell Loki that he's sorry for whatever wrong he's committed. He tells Loki to take his life and end this; a bit of an echo of how his father ended the long ago war with the Frost Giants that saved so many innocent lives. This selfless act proves his worthiness to wield Mjolnir once again and the hammer comes flying into Thor's grasp, reviving him.

14. Finale: Re-empowered, Thor defeats the Destroyer. But that was just the warm up battle. He needs to return to Asgard to confront Loki and stop his plans for the Five Part Finale. Let's break it down.

FIVE PART FINALE

1. Gathering the Team

Definition: This phase involves the protagonist preparing for the final battle, often by assembling allies or resources.

The entire team is currently on Earth and they have to get back to Asgard. The call to Hemdial who had been trapped by Loki. Hemdial frees himself and the band of warriors prepare to take the Bifrost. But not before Thor promises Jane that he'll return. He gives her a chaste kiss, but our 20^th century mortal woman plants a big one on him. You go girl!

2. Executing the Plan

Definition: The protagonist puts their plan into action, which often leads to an initial success or a significant step toward the ultimate goal.

Thor's plan is simple. Stop Loki's scheme to destroy the Frost Giants. Thor arrives in his father's chambers where Loki has just stopped the execution of his sleeping father -an execution he put into motion. Thor initially confronts Loki in front of their mother and tells Loki to admit his plans. Instead, Loki says he'll go pay Jane a visit.

3. High Tower Surprise

Definition: An unexpected twist or complication arises, making the situation worse or more difficult for the protagonist.

The brothers head to the Bifrost where the beam is currently in the process of destroying Jotunheim, home of the Frost Giants. Loki and Thor fight to get control over the beam.

4. Dig Deep Down

Definition: The protagonist musters additional strength or insight to address the challenge.

Thor realizes that the only way to stop Loki's plan and save the Frost Giants is to destroy the Bifrost bridge, even though it means losing his way back to Jane. This shows Thor's newfound wisdom and willingness to make personal sacrifices for the greater good, demonstrating significant character growth.

5. Execution of the New Plan

Definition: Armed with new strength or understanding, the protagonist executes a revised strategy to overcome the final obstacle.

Thor destroys the Bifrost, but the fight isn't over. Thinking he's brother is about to fall to his death off the destroyed bridge, Thor steps into rescue Loki only to realize it's a trick. But now they're both in danger of falling, until their father awakens and saves them both. But Loki decides this is no longer the life for him and let's go of Thor's hold, plunging to his death -but probably not since he's the trickster god and Marvel's got franchise on the mind.

In "Thor," the five-part finale showcases Thor's evolution from a reckless, power-driven prince to a thoughtful, self-sacrificing hero. Each part of the finale ties back to his personal growth and the film’s overarching themes of duty, humility, and sacrifice.

15. Final Image: The final image is of Thor in Asgard, having matured and learned humility, now a worthy king in waiting and true hero in both spirit and deed. This contrasts sharply with the arrogant figure seen at the film's beginning. His father looks at him proudly noting that Thor will be a wise king.

There's only one more Marvelous break down to go.

Last up is the Guardians of the Galaxy!

So if you haven't watched it in a while, or you've never seen it, be sure and pop some popcorn and see it before the next post!