REVIEW - THOR: THE DARK WORLD
This film was wonderful. In many ways it felt as though you were watching some kind of Star Wars meets Lord of the Rings mash-up, but that is coming from somebody who loves both of those franchises, and is therefore thoroughly intended as a compliment! Although many familiar superhero movie tropes were drawn on, and it did not exactly feel fresh, it certainly was an intriguing, entertaining and visually satisfying experience.
I did not see the first Thor film at the cinema and was highly disappointed when I finally watched it - I could not even bring myself to write about it, as I just did not know what to say. Certainly it had humor, visually it was impressive, and for the first half the story was great! The relationships between Thor, Loki, Odin and Frigga were portrayed in a deep and layered way - the fact that Thor's ascension to the throne was not a given allowed the relationships between these characters to be explored in really interesting ways. However, during the second half I felt as though I was watching a completely different, much worse film. The plot become increasingly predictable and the romance between Jane and Thor extremely corny - he spends about forty-eight hours on earth, they make eggs together and then they are in love?!
The Dark World shines in comparison to the first Thor film. I still found it unbelievable that Thor would choose to seek out Jane's affection when Sif is so unbelievably attractive, bad-ass and available, however we all know that he will eventually come to his senses. The two best aspects of this film were the Dark Elves, and the interactions between Thor and Loki. Starting with the former, although the Dark Elves' motivation for creating 'an eternal night' throughout all nine realms was somewhat foggy, the attention to detail in bringing them to life was glorious. The costumes and environment design were brilliant and Christopher Eccleston played Malekith masterfully.
I am constantly undecided as to whether Thor or Loki is a cooler character and this film certainly did not make the decision any easier! At the beginning of the film - in continuity with the events of the Avengers film - Loki is brought before Odin to answer for his crimes on Midgard. Unapologetic and cheeky, as only Loki can be, he is sentenced to life imprisonment in the dungeons of Asgard. However, the Dark Elf invasion sees Thor turn to Loki for help, freeing him on the condition that he helps take down the enemy. It is during this time of forced teamwork that Hemsworth and Hiddleston shine as their respective characters. They really capture the famous dynamic of these two brothers. That being said, all of the acting was brilliant - I cannot think of anyone who stood out negatively. Of the supporting cast members Anthony Hopkins and Chris O'Dowd were particularly memorable.
I am constantly undecided as to whether Thor or Loki is a cooler character and this film certainly did not make the decision any easier! At the beginning of the film - in continuity with the events of the Avengers film - Loki is brought before Odin to answer for his crimes on Midgard. Unapologetic and cheeky, as only Loki can be, he is sentenced to life imprisonment in the dungeons of Asgard. However, the Dark Elf invasion sees Thor turn to Loki for help, freeing him on the condition that he helps take down the enemy. It is during this time of forced teamwork that Hemsworth and Hiddleston shine as their respective characters. They really capture the famous dynamic of these two brothers. That being said, all of the acting was brilliant - I cannot think of anyone who stood out negatively. Of the supporting cast members Anthony Hopkins and Chris O'Dowd were particularly memorable.
Another part of the first Thor film which frustrated me was the amount of screen time given to Thor during combat scenes. Although Fandral, Sif, Volstagg and Hogun are renowned as awesome warriors they were given only short snippets of action compared to Thor and often ended up injured. The Dark World presented them far more accurately
Some plot points - such as the restoration of the Bifrost - were not given much attention in this film. You really needed to have paid attention to the entire Marvel film franchise to understand what happened. Reading the Dark World prelude comics (a mere two issues) definitely deepened my understanding of the events of The Dark World. However that knowledge was not essential to enjoying the film. The small amounts of fan service (Stan Lee's usual cameo, and Loki's transformation into Steve Rogers) felt like just the right amount. The Marvel Universe does a great job of acknowledging its other characters and meta-stories, without feeling obvious or forced.
Some plot points - such as the restoration of the Bifrost - were not given much attention in this film. You really needed to have paid attention to the entire Marvel film franchise to understand what happened. Reading the Dark World prelude comics (a mere two issues) definitely deepened my understanding of the events of The Dark World. However that knowledge was not essential to enjoying the film. The small amounts of fan service (Stan Lee's usual cameo, and Loki's transformation into Steve Rogers) felt like just the right amount. The Marvel Universe does a great job of acknowledging its other characters and meta-stories, without feeling obvious or forced.
Finally - typical Marvel! - the film featured an intriguing mid-credits scene. This writer is highly intrigued and cannot wait for the next Thor film! Not to mention the next Avengers film and the new Captain America (The Winter Soldier) films. Hopefully these will be enough to tide me over to the next Thor installment.
