THOR: THE DARK WORLD – The Review

Well, it’s now a week into November, time for all the serious, heavy Oscar worthy dramas to fill up the multiplexes. But wait, who’s that big strapping blonde bruiser soaring on to the screens? Can that be an Avenger? So now the Spring and Summer aren’t the only seasons for a superhero blockbuster! This past May we saw the release of the first entry in Marvel Studios’ so-called cinema “phase two”, IRON MAN 3. After Tony Stark’s first two box office smashes, another Marvel hero arrived in May of 2011, the mighty THOR. His first adventure did surprisingly good business, and in the next Summer the son of Odin was a cornerstone of MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS which became  the third highest grossing flick of all time. So, can a Marvel hero fill theatres long after the weather begins to turn chilly? It just depends on the film itself, so hang on to your Uru hammers and put on those 3D specs as we explore THOR: THE DARK WORLD.

This titanic tale (sorry, bit of Stan Lee took over!) actually begins long, long ago when Odin’s father thwarted the realm conquering plans of the dark elf Malekith (Christopher Eccleston). The fiend used his magic to escape into suspended animation while the Asgardians grabbed up his secret weapon, the floating, gurgling dark power source, the Aether, Cut to today as Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and his warrior pals Sif, Volstagg, and Fandral defend their cohort Hogun’s home world. They return to Asgard in time to see judgement passed on the nefarious Loki (Tom Hiddleston) for his attack on Earth, a place Thor yearns to revisit mainly for Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). Seems she is working in London now along with fellow scientist Darcy (Kat Dennings), who pulls her away from a date to investigate some strong, strange energy readings at an old warehouse. The rare upcoming event called “the convergence” in which all nine realms will re-allign has caused these spacial anomalies and wormholes. Jane is whisked into one and arrives at the hiding spot for the Aether. This reactivates Malekith who decides to get his power back and finally conquer all the realms. Luckily this alerts Thor who zips back to Earth, scoops up Jane, and takes her to his home just in time for a devastating attack from the dark elf’s forces. In order to save Asgard, and all the realms, Thor must call on the imprisoned Loki to aid him. But can the god of mischief really be a trusted ally?

Since the events of the first film and this last Summer’s group outing Thor has lost much of that cocky swagger, but Hemsworth revisits a bit of that attitude in the fun opening battle scene. But this time our hero is much more conflicted as he ponders taking over the throne. He dearly loves his Asgardian friends and family, but the other realms (ours in particular) weigh on his mind. Hemsworth still perfectly embodies the nobility and physicality of the stalwart comics staple. Hey, welcome back Ms. Portman! This is her first film in a couple of years (since the first THOR really) and the time off has not dulled her acting chops. Her Foster still has an impressive brain, and is still very funny when the sight of the “god of thunder” engages her heart. She’s not merely a damsel-in-distress to be rescued as in many action epics. Oh, and the camera still adores her, almost as much as the big blonde guy. They say a film hero must have a great villain for the story to work, and Eccleston is a terrific, almost-unstoppable baddie and that would be enough for most action epics. But, thankfully, there’s that scene stealing Hiddleston as the conniving, but charming Loki. Is there another actor in films who seems to relish being wicked so much? Each insult is delivered with almost unbridled glee. But this time, dare we say, we get a more human side of Loki as we learn that he truly cares about someone other than himself. Hiddleston’s Loki may just be the best superhero villain since Ledger’s take on the Joker. As for the other Asgardians, we get to see much more of Anthony Hopkins being both fearsome and regal as Thor’s pop. He can be stern, but in many conversations with his heir Odin reveals his warm paternal side. And hurrah, we get to see a whole lot more of the still gorgeous Rene Russo as Odin’s wife Frigga. Let’s hope she takes on some more film work. Russo remains a stunning screen presence. Idris Elba is also a commanding presence returning as the wise Asgardian traffic controller Heimdall. Speaking of returning actors, back on Earth, Dennings still scores with her expert comic timing as Portman’s brainy but loopy sidekick Darcy. Also very funny is Stellan Skarsgard who’s another kind of loopy after being Loki’s pawn last Summer. Welcome additions to the series are Chris O’Dowd as Foster’s unlucky Dinner date and Jonathan Howard as Darcy’s put upon assistant Ian.

In general, this outing is a stronger film than the 2011 original thanks in part to the decision to open up Thor’s world rather than have him powerless and stranded in the New Mexico desert. Instead of being the film’s bookend settings, we get a grander tour of Thor’s stomping grounds (hey, we even see an Asgardian ER!), where much of his comic exploits occur. And there’s even a glimpse of some of the other realms. The larger scope is handled well by new series director Alan Taylor, who’s perhaps best known for also guiding the fantastical elements in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” TV series. He keeps the action clear with terrific staged battle sequences while not getting mired in the mystical  or scientific “mumbo-jumbo”. And most importantly, he retains a sense of humor than never gets in the way of the heroics or makes campy jokes of the characters. Happily there’s more fun in the red-caped good guy’s movie than in that other red-caped guy’s gloomy, dark flick this last Summer. The film’s writers (which includes the team behind CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER) keep things moving and know just when to drop in Loki to energize the proceedings. The 3D is better in this film than the previous one (the hammer struts its powers much more here), but the up-convert isn’t necessary to enjoy the film. And, need I tell you, stick around through the end credits for a nice bonus scene. Plus, as in the Avengers movie, we’re treated to a mid credits bonus also which hooks into an upcoming Marvel flick. This newest adventure is much closer to the grandeur of artist’s Jack Kirby’s fantastic vision in his classic work on the comics (but I still don’t know if technology will ever catch up to his genius and imagination). THOR: THE DARK WORLD is that rarity, a superior sequel that builds on the hero’s world, and thankfully gives us another visit from his nemesis. As Frigga might say, “Now, you boys play nice!”. They, ‘play very nice’, indeed!

4 Out of 5