Thor: The Dark World - Mjölnir Kicks Asgard!

You can put the hammer down - Thor: The Dark World continues Marvel Studios’ conquest of the known universe and delivers a satisfying sequel that surpasses the original. Some fans tend to pooh-pooh poor old Thor, quick to dismiss his somewhat frothier canvas of adventures. Thor has always lived in a much more far-flung and cosmic corner of the Marvel Universe, which this sequel makes good use of. Director Alan Taylor is a veteran of HBO and AMC, with credits on everything from The Sopranos to Game of Thrones. He brings a great sensibility to Thor and marshals a look to the film that’s dark but never dreary. Thor and his pals are trying to save the nine realms from the evil Dark Elves, who would fit right in Hellboy II: The Golden Army. If Angry Elf Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) gets a hold of an ancient weapon known as The Aether, darkness will descend across all that is known.


Thor: The Dark World is ridiculously entertaining – far lighter and much more pure fun than either Iron Man 3 or The Wolverine. As the plot moves forward, things only get better. Tom Hiddleston steals the film as Cain to Thor’s Abel. He’s dynamite and really keeps things interesting. Of course Natalie Portman’s astrophysicist is a goofy conceit, but you can’t help but root for the mortal in love with a God of the astral plane – and that mythos gives the story freedom to creatively wreak havoc with a far-flung sense of jeopardy – Portman and Hemsworth have a nice chemistry and directory Taylor makes sure that she and all of the other minor characters from the first Thor enjoy more opportunities to shine as individuals here. Sif, Frigga and Heimdall all get their turn in the spotlight in fun and engaging ways.

The effects are pretty spectacular and we’re given a rip-roaring pulp story with plenty of laughs and a lot of heart. Thor: The Dark World is just the ticket for a satisfying pre-holiday romp through the cosmos. If you haven’t already heard, there are two extra scenes in the credits, so be sure to stay until the very end. Great stuff!