Released: November 8, 2013. Directed by: Alan Taylor, James Gunn (post-credits scene). Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston. Runtime: 112 min.
When considering the story of “Thor: The Dark World,” it’s much better than 2011’s “Thor.” All I remember from that installment is snippets and sort-of the ending, and I remember it never really being clear who was the villain or not until after about an hour in. Otherwise, it’s forgettable – but Kenneth Branagh did a decent job at introducing the characters. This first sequel is able to get right into the story with a prologue, and there’s a trailer for “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” before the movie starts. (At my theatre, there’s a scene that indicates the movie’s starting – and I thought at first it was the beginning of the movie, but I clued in within a minute… I’m gullible, what can I say?!)
The main villain of the story is Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) who wanted to turn the world dark back in the Dark ages. This sparked a war between the Asgardians and his Kursed dark elves, and the Asgardians won, burying the Aether (the tool that would enable Malekith to make the world dark) where it would be difficult to find. Skip to the present after the events of “The Avengers,” Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is restoring order to the nine realms. He still longs to see Jane Austen (Natalie Portman) once again. Meanwhile, we find Jane back in London, who eventually picks up readings that might be a passageway to Asgard. It’s pretty cool, they find this sort-of vacuum thing in an abandoned building where they throw it down a staircase and comes down from above. The writers have fun with this. Anyway, this all leads to Thor and Jane being reunited, Malekith resurfacing, and Thor setting off on a perilous journey to save the earth.
I think Chris Hemsworth allows Thor to be the most charming Avenger, even if I’m more fond of the sarcastic wit RDJ brings to Iron Man. I like the comic relief in these Marvel blockbuster movies, and Kat Dennings is the main source – and Stellan Skarsgård gets some of the biggest laughs, after being relieved from Loki’s mind manipulations. Speaking of Loki (Tom Hiddleston), his role is a bit more complicated this time around because he is the unpredictable wild card here. He is also the main source of comic relief on Asgard. Natalie Portman is still as beautiful as ever and remains one of my favourite actresses working today – and I love it when she reminds me of that. She embraces the heartbreak of being away from Thor from so long, and also the awkwardness of not being able to tell people. One more comment on the cast: It’s great to see Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (“The Bourne Identity,” “TV’s Lost”) as Malekith’s main henchman, as a tough-as-nails Kursed dark elf.
Some of the wars that happen are a cool change of pace from the first film because more take place in the nine realms rather than on Earth, with the exclusion of the final battle, which is both entertaining and a bit distracting, and you’ll see what I mean when you see it. The distracting part makes it a bit goofier than I might have enjoyed – but it’s still entertaining. I like the Cambridge University setting, because if that was really true damage to the school, I’m sure students will be happy to have a few weeks off from repairs! The other landscapes are really awesome, and there are some really cool weapons used by the Dark Elves I’d like to use. Especially in a video game. Please?
With all the comic relief and simple story, the film has a lighter tone than one’s average comic book adaptation. It still has a good cast and the brotherhood relationship between Thor and Loki is an interesting one because they want to trust each other but they really can’t because Loki is always up to no good, or so it seems. Thor is a noble character who puts the world’s needs, and Jane’s needs before his own. But he doesn’t really have to worry about himself because he has that awesome hammer. This is an entertaining ride, so hop on if it sounds like your type of movie, and if you like humour in your action films. It’s a summer blockbuster treat for the winter months!
Score: 75/100
Filmcraziest 
Mostly agreed. Hiddleston is the best part of this flick. Loki’s relationship with Thor is always fascinating.
I think Malekith a terrible villain and Jane an equally bad love interest (nothing against Portman – she does her best).
But, for all of that, it was certainly a fun movie.
I probably would have forgotten all about Malekith if I didn’t have my notes LOL, but I do like Jane as a love interest. She’s a kind character, but I guess a lot of other chicks are, too… Thanks for the comment, James
Though there have been better stand-alone flicks than this, it’s still a fun trip regardless. Especially since all of these characters are still very interesting and entertaining to watch. Good review Daniel.
Erik is especially fun to watch 😀 Thanks Dan, I’ll check out your review of this and leave a comment
This was better for me than the first one because Thor was way less of a whiny little brat. 😉 But the rest of it just left me kind of blah. Loki is totes sexy though, totes. Yum. Oh and the mom! She rocked it.
Hahah that’s true! I liked the fish out of water humour of the first when he first got to Earth. I’d like a sitcom of Asgardians just seeing new worlds and not being familiar with everything… Is that the worst or best idea ever? Hahaha, everybody in this film is kind-of beautiful. It’s crazy. Lady Sif can rock my world any day. LOL
The fish out of water humor was good and I think that sitcom would be the best idea ever, lol! Agreed about everybody being kind of beautiful too. 😉
Lol, it will be like the Asgardian version of Borat pretty much! I haven’t been able to put my finger on what type of accent Hemsworth uses as Thor… Strange… LOL.
*giggles*