By Lisa-Marie Burrows
What is the plot?
Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big- screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger. Chris Hemsworth is back with his hammer as he battles to save Earth and other realms from the darkness of Malekith – the leader of an ancient race of elves who want to thrust the whole universe into an eternity of darkness. To withstand the enemy, Thor must go against his father, King Odin and enlists the help of his brother, Loki, to save the world from Asgard’s perilous enemy, which sees him reunited with Jane Foster once again.
Review
Chris Hemsworth is back with his red cloak on his back and his hammer in his hand for his third big-screen appearance in as many years as the popular avenger, Thor.
Fans of the first film will not be disappointed with the second installment of Marvel’s Thor. The action continues after the mayhem caused by Thor’s brother, Loki, in last year’s Avengers Assemble. Kenneth Branagh has managed to keep the link to the popular collaboration movie by the occasional references to the movie and there is even a comical cameo moment featuring Captain America’s Chris Evans.
From the onset, the audience is introduced to the movie’s villains quickly, as Anthony Hopkins’s prologue tells the story of the dark elves who wish to get their hands back on the Aether, a dark matter which has the power to turn the whole universe into darkness.
The action quickly unfolds as Natalie Portman’s, Jane Foster, who’s living in London, tries to continue with her life having not seen her God of Thunder boyfriend in years. (Her opening scenes involve a funny blind date with Bridesmaids actor, Chris O’Dowd.)
Meanwhile, back in Asgard, Odin is preoccupied with punishing Tom Hiddleston’s, Loki, imprisoning him to a life in the dungeons after his exploits in New York in the Avengers Assemble. Little does he know that Loki will not be in prison for long after the dangerous Aether gets into the wrong hands – and body – with Thor requiring the help of the rebellious brother to go against his father and save the universe from darkness.
In fact, the shared on-screen moments between the Aussie and Brit actors were some of the most enjoyable. Hemsworth delivers an air of authority and power perfectly to his role and is able to convey the new found maturity of his character, as Thor has developed into a more humble and gratuitous leader.
Loki is barely in the first hour of the film, but it is worth the wait when he is finally alongside his brother. His reunion with Thor provides some entertaining scenes of comedy. Hiddleston steals the limelight during these moments with his excellent portrayal of the popular villain. The English actor delivers great one-liners as he is punched in the face by Thor’s love interest, Jane Foster, and as he taunts Thor during his brother’s attempt to fly an elven spaceship. It is not all fun and flying spaceship moments for Loki, during more somber scenes in the movie, it is impossible not to feel compassion or empathy towards the character who is battling inner turmoil and conflict.
The combination of the two brothers unleashes a mighty showdown with Christopher Eccleston’s, Malekith and his loyal army who is seeking revenge for years of rage, which takes an unexpected turn of fate for everyone’s favourite villain, Loki.
Thor finds himself relying on Jane and her friends once more during the deadly battle with the Dark Elf, delivering exciting fight scenes and humourous moments during a world-changing time for the God of Thunder. Thor, ever the hero, finds himself alone… with the future of the universe in his hands. Well, the hand without his hammer anyway…
Verdict
★★★★
A funny and entertaining follow-up to the popular Marvel movie. (I enjoyed it even more than the first one!) Please feel free to share your thoughts on the movie.
