Jon Mikl Thor
By: Vernon Nicerson
Can a 20th Century super-smart-and-talented entertainment impresario find happiness in the 21st Century? After watching force of nature Jon Mikl Thor and a stellar supporting cast in the Ryan Wise and Alan Higbee documentary, “I AM THOR”, I am fully inclined to shout ABSOF**KINGLUTELY!
As the compelling story of the life and times of bodybuilder/rocker/master entertainer and merchandiser unfolds, it makes perfect sense that as a boy growing up in Canada, Jon Mikl was already gaining an audience’s full attention as the kid who believed he was Superman and wore his costume under his street clothes, just like his hero. Only that kind of energy could fuel his early success using all of his not unsubstantial physical and intellectual attributes. Beneath his humble and always charming self effacingcy exterior beats the heart, soul and sheer determination of Bill Gates..
Almost universally, Canadian and American audiences love an underdog. I AM THOR does not disappoint. There is the requisite puppy love, first love lost, and enough sex, drugs and rock ‘n’roll to satisfy the hardest rocker. Of course there were consequences to the fast and furious rocker lifestyles of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, but never fear. Jon Mikl Thor is a survivor, first, last and always throughout his roller coaster ride of a life. This story could only have been told as masterfully as it is by taking 15 years to bring it to the big screen. NOTE to Wise and Higbee: I’m addicted and jonesing for a sequel. Jon Mikl, how about another kick-ass album?
Speaking of albums, I am happily forced to acknowledge something I am rarely willing or able to admit about the any heavy metal/hard rock– the best of it is all about the lyrics and presentation. Thankfully, Jon Mikl and the films creative team are fully conscious of that fact by providing well edited samples of Thor’s music and performances throughout the piece. He also apparently has a good eye and ear for talent, given the number of times he rebuilds his backup band- with or without full technical rehearsals.
To completely butcher Kipling, KUDOS Jon Mikl! You kept your head in every way imaginable even while everyone around you was losing theirs and blaming it on you. You Da’ Man!
By the way, possibly inspired by every other Marvel Comics blockbuster, there is a teaser after the credits.
Yes, with I AM THOR, there’s always more!
