In 2011 the first Thor film hit theaters and was a box office success. Thor was part of Marvel’s Phase One cinematic universe that cumulated with The Avengers. Two years later and we now have Thor: The Dark World.
The film begins with a exposition history lesson on a reddish substance called Aether. In the wrong hands (and in this case Dark Elves), this substance would have sent the entire universe into darkness. What was thought to be contained and forgotten will resurface and threaten Asgard and the rest of the Nine Realms including Earth. After the history lesson, the film shifts to the present and picks up shortly after the events of The Avengers with Loki being imprisoned for his crimes and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) bringing order to the Nine Realms following the aftermath of those events.
Back on Earth, Jane Foster (Nataile Portman) who is trying to move on after Thor’s exit from the first film and her life is thrust back into her scientific research by her intern Darcy (Kat Dennings) when some unusual readings appear. Readings that are very similar to those Jane had encountered back in New Mexico
During her research, Jane stumbles upon the Aether and becomes its unlikely vessel to the present day world. Sensing some danger, Thor returns to Earth and is reunited with Jane. Their reunion is cut short when Thor soon realizes that Jane has become possessed with this reddish substance that threatens the universe. As shown in the trailers, Thor can’t save her and world alone and thus seeks the help of his imprisoned brother, Loki.
For those who had wished to have seen more of Asgard in the first film will get their wish with TDW. The same can be said regarding the action. There is more than enough action to satisfy the fanboys and girls. We get to see Thor strut his God of Thunder self throughout the film. It may not be as epic in scope as The Avengers but TDW does more than hold its own in entertaining us.
Besides the ever-charming Hemsworth as Thor, the biggest treat by far is Tom Hiddleston and his portrayal of Loki. He provides just enough comic relief without being campy. Quite often we can recognize when an actor, especially those in a sequel, looks like they’re just going through the motions. They look uninterested and their performance is described as wooden. The exact opposite can be said for Hiddleston. He looks to be having as much fun if not more than any of his co-stars. It is something that is very refreshing to see. And the chemistry between Hemsworth and Hiddleston leaps off the screen and is very believable.
In the end, Thor: The Dark World is as good if not better than the first. And while it may not be overall the best of the lot, it still ranks better than both Iron Man 2 and 3. Much like they did with the first Iron Man film, Marvel is continuing to plant the seeds for future films and projects that extend beyond just the Avengers. It would appear that Marvel has a firm grasp on what they want and wish to do within their cinematic universe. With that, Marvel is clearly winning the box office war.
On a side note, there are two post credit scenes to be on the lookout for. The first appears midway and the other at the very end. Also, if you see the 3D version, you’ll be treated to a 5-min sneak peak at Captain America: The Winter Solider due in April.
Thor: The Dark World *** (out of 4)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
