Thor: The Dark
World
Thor 2 is a much
darker film than the first film. You won't really get much out of
this movie if you didn't watch the first movie. Thor 2 works much
better on many levels that make it outshine the first movie while
still paying tribute to the first movie. There are a few shockers
in this movie that hopefully weren't spoiled for you and one great
cameo that's an added bonus. If you liked the Marvel movie up to
this point, this one won't disappoint.
There is a lot
of lore connected with the first movie and Avengers involved with
this story. Characters and key plot points are important to
understanding the movie. So, you might get a little lost if you
haven't seen those movies.
Alan
Taylor sits in the director's chair this time around. So, much
of the stately mannerism from the first movie present and that's
fine. Taylor does an pretty good job with the material. Taylor does
carry over the brightness and color nature of Thor's world from the
first movie.
The movie has
more humor, which is a welcome, and more action overall from the
first movie. There are some problem though.
The Dark Elves
have an interesting designs and the makeup is very impressive. Their
ships and fighting weapons are also cool. Yet, there is something
missing from them. I found myself not caring about these villains as
the ones in the first Thor movie. They are the weakest part of the
movie as far as personalities go.
And, the head
dark elf is a little subdued to be a breakout character. He just
frowns a lot. The main villains need a stronger motivation the
simply wanting to destroy the universe. Heck, even the bad guys from
2009's Star Trek were better written. There is a secondary villain
type that steals the movie away from the villains.
Loki, played
masterfully by Tom
Hiddleston, is a breath of fresh air. Hiddleston is having a lot
of fun portraying the anti-hero Loki. As I mentioned before, he an
anti-hero in this story more than the Avengers. All of the lack of
complexities that the Dark Elves lack are squarely in Loki. He does
care about his adoptive family and even Thor despite actually wanting
to take over the world.
Loki is just a
cooler character and it was smart including him in this story. I
just wish he had more screen time. He is just awesome.
The third act is
very strong compared to the first movie. It involves world jumping
and Thor in a major brawl with the Dark Elves. It is the strongest
portion of the movie.
Thor 2 isn't
best movie in the Marvel series, but it is still entertaining enough
not to take itself too seriously. The main characters are stronger
in this movie, probably given a creative boost from the Avengers and
Iron Man 3. Loki once again steals the show from the bad guys.
Thor: The Dark World has pacing flaws and weak villains, but it is a
better movie than the first one.
Grade: B+
When Thor farts, does he bring the thunder?
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Loki and his wonderful hair.
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