http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800369/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458339/
Firstly I am a big fan of comic books and of both these films. The only thing a want to analyse about them is their compliance with the recent superhero narrative. The recent trend in comic book films really went big with Spiderman in 2001, it re established an obvious formula that had been used by previous superhero films like Batman. The film starts with a normal person who gets powers and defeats a villain. Both Hulk films, both Punisher films, Iron Man and more follow this simple narrative and it is beginning to get worn out. The upcoming film The Avengers offers a refreshing change by using the characters established in previous marvel films to make a film about a supergroup the Avengers.
Captain America fits this formula fairly nicely however the inclusion of a struggle to become a "peoples hero" and a respected soldier ads new interest to the story as well as the 1930's setting. Thor on the other hand does not fit the formula so neatly, one could argue that Thor has only just gained his power fully and that through flashbacks to him as a child we do see him beforehand. However is is simpler to say the formula is reversed, he begins with his power and loses it, the films resolution fits the formula as he regains his power along with humility, falls in love and defeats the villain. As I said I enjoy both films even if they are formulaic!
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