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Thor: the Dark World

November 18, 2013 By Mike B
Movie Review

Thor: the Dark World Film Review

What Worked?

In this day and age where comic book movies are as common as Smartphones and obesity, a sequel to Thor may not be too appealing because of the challenge of avoiding repetition. Thor: the Dark Underworld is coming off of a solid first installment, and an amazing ensemble piece in the Avengers. Director Alan Talyor, and stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Tom Hiddleston take on the challenge in this fun, well-acted sequel about the hammer-wielding hero.

This time around Asgard is threatened by new evil, in the form of a Nosferatu-looking elf called Malekith. In Thor’s quest to stop him, he reunites with Jane, played once again by the reliable Natalie Portman. Although the script brings nothing new to the table, Taylor directs a well-paced film that’s balanced with humor, action, and heroic drama. It continues the tragic themes of the first installment with the riff between Thor and Loki, and does it very well. At the end of the day, this film relies on the acting to enhance the viewing experience.

Hemsworth is back as Thor, and he’s just as good as ever playing the charming brute that will keep fighting until his last breath. It’s a challenge to feel for someone that’s nearly invincible, but it’s possible in this film because Hemsworth makes the character relative. It could be a concern for Jane’s dating life, a yearning to trust his brother, or a commitment to follow through; Hemsworth does justice to the Thor character by balancing his warrior side with his compassion.

The standout, just like the first film, is Tom Hiddleston as Loki. Loki evolved to become a villain that is very deceiving, yet one that we can still relate to. Hiddleston plays Loki perfectly, with biting sarcasm, and a devious look that stings. The audience can trust Loki’s rage, just as well as you can trust  Hiddleston to deliver.

Thor: the Dark World is an entertaining entry into the world of Marvel cinema. It continues the story of Thor, and still manages to be a blast, even if we’ve been taken there before.

Potential Drawbacks:

The main villain in this film was just too uninteresting to care about. It’s almost too easy for Thor to slam him out of the picture with his hammer. Malekith was dull with his monotone voice, and boring actions; he didn’t really have a single memorable scene in the entire run time.

The action scenes were standard fair, but at times, the CGI work seemed like it would suit  cut-scenes in a video game better. It wasn’t the worst CGI ever, but it didn’t quite add to the action scenes very well. We know what Thor can do, but it would’ve been nice to beef up the action scenes and see him do something more brutal or interesting with all the might he possess.

Again, the script wasn’t anything to write home about. It’s standard fair with a cardboard cut-out villain that will have most longing for Loki to have more screen-time.

P.S.  Stay after the credits.

Film Recommendations:

Thor

the Avengers

Iron Man 3

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