Thor takes a hit for womankind

[October 23, 2013]  LONDON (AP) --  Natalie Portman says hitting Chris Hemsworth was "one small slap for womankind."

The actress, who reprises her role as Jane Foster in "Thor: The Dark World," gives the superhero a smack in the Marvel sequel.

"Thor: The Dark World" has its world premiere in London Tuesday and is out in U.S. cinemas Nov. 8.

In an interview on Saturday, Portman said that she channeled all her single girlfriends: "You hear all these stories about guys and it's just good to get a nice on-screen slap like 'you didn't call me back.'"

The intention may have been payback but, according to Hemsworth, the result was less so.

"It just got really funny and ridiculous you know. It's like in high school when you're not meant to laugh," he said.

And fun and laughs is what Portman wants audiences to have. Despite appearing in many more serious and highbrow roles, the Oscar winner will not have the Hollywood blockbuster devalued.

She says "escapism" is the main reason people go to the movies and there is no room for snobbery.

"All independent art films aren't good, all blockbusters aren't good, and all foreign films aren't good. There are a few of each that are really great, whether it is for pure entertainment, for something that is going to change your mind about how you see the world or taking you to a place that you haven't been before."

Talking about the "Thor" franchise, she added: "This kind of movie -- this grand spectacle and good old fashioned entertainment where for two hours you are having a great time -- is really, really valuable."

Next year Portman will be leaving Hollywood behind, as a home at least, when she relocates to Paris with her husband, French choreographer Benjamin Millepied, and their 2-year-old son, Aleph.

Millepied will take up the role of director of the Paris Opera Ballet and Portman can't wait to explore.

"It is such a fun thing that you can take an hour flight or train or something and end up in a completely different country," she said. "It is exciting."

And with work in mind, Portman admits she would be "thrilled" to work in Europe more and appealed to European directors: "Hire me. I need jobs!"

[Associated Press; By LOUISE DIXON]

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