Thor: The Dark World (Alan Taylor, 2013) Review

I think it's safe to say that it hasn't been the best of years for films (we were spoilt last year with greatness) and my evidence for this being that the last film I saw in the cinema was Pacific Rim...that was back in July. Now it's November and I finally got around to watching a new film in the cinema and the next in line in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: The Dark World.

After the events of Avengers Assemble, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is brought before Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is sent to the Asgard dungeon for the rest of his days. Asgard can't rest easy though, as a threat from Asgard's part, Malekith the Accursed (Christopher Eccleston), for as returned to find a powerful energy known as the Aether. Back on Earth, Jane Foster (Natatlie Portman) learns about portals found in London which lead to a realm known as The Dark World where the Ether is kept. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) takes Jane with the Ether back to Asgard to find a way to harness it and stop Malekith from reeking havoc.

One of the biggest complaints about the first Thor was that people just wanted all out action rather than a fish-out-of-water story with Thor getting his powers back. This is the Thor film those people wanted as it is just all out action (with a very unique fight scene which I've heard being described as Portal meets Mortal Kombat...Portal Kombat). This, however, means that it takes a while to REALLY get started as it just seems dull to begin with. The second half is excellent though and the settings are nicer (London is much nicer than New Mexico...did I just say that out loud?) and it's very nice to see more of Asgard (although I was expecting to see more of Thor's friends but there is somehow LESS of them than the first film).

When Avengers Assemble came out, the character that exploded in popularity was Loki so it was expected that he would return as a main character but I didn't expect him to be the best thing about the film. Tom Hiddleston proves that he can still keep up a great role and gets better every time and leads to some of the films funniest moments (one of which features one of the best movie cameos I have ever seen). Malekith was mixed for me. He has a great design (and considering how impossibly stupid he looks in the comics, is saying a lot) and his powers offer a great fight scene but in terms of personality and voice, he isn't very unique (which is disappointing considering that he sounded better in the trailer).

Thor: The Dark World is not as good as the first film but damn is it close. The only thing that really makes it inferior is the dull first act but it makes up for it with a spectacular second half. The action is great (mostly thanks to a very unique fight sequence), it looks very impressive for the most part, the characters are still as we remember them and is a worthy addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Verdict:
7.5/10
While not as good as the first, it captures what Thor does best and makes for some unique moments and great action.

Also stick around for the credits...it's a Marvel film, I shouldn't have to tell you that now.