Thor: The Dark World - Reviewed

Since defeating the alien invasion of New York and placing Loki in an Asgardian cell, Thor has been trying to restore peace to the Nine Realms and quietly contemplating his life and priorities. Odin thinks he should forget Jane Foster and settle-down with the likes of Sif, but the God of Thunder is less convinced. Heimdall (Idris Elba) allows Thor to observe what is going on on Earth from afar, but both are mystified when Jane Foster’s presence suddenly vanishes from sight.

On Earth, Jane and her team are investigating strange gravitational anomalies possibly linked to the alignment of the Nine Realms themselves. It is into one of these portals that Jane finds herself drawn and though she escapes, she may not have come back alone.

Long ago the Asgardians and the Dark Elves fought for the ultimate power that could plunge the universe into literal darkness and chaos. Now Malekith, the ruthless elfin commander has been awakened from his slumber and the race is on to control the power Jane Foster has discovered. The prize is her life and control over reality – but what sacrifices might be needed to save the day? 

Marvel’s plans to dominate the superhero market continue and largely to good and godly effect. But for a film with ‘Dark...’ in the title and a sense of immortal mortality, it’s fair to say this is a lighter affair, a more fun, Saturday-morning-styled romp than one might have initially expected:  dazzling one-liners are thrown out there in quick succession to punctuate the bigger action  - some producing not only laughs but actual applause from hardened critics - and a good percentage hit their required mark with a hammer-like effect and accuracy.

Here we have a case of not fretting too much about the story as merely enjoying the spectacle and character interaction. The plot itself takes a firm backseat as the main characters are all put through their paces. Though there’s probably a case to have trimmed down the ensemble by half – some get a little lost in the mix and reduced to brief moments in the spotlight -  everyone gives it their all and all the needed beats are there. 

Hemsworth essays the role of Thor for a third time and knows how to have fun with character that is comfortable in the heat of battle but often less sure of his immortal place when in a more mundane mortal suburbia.  It was rumoured that Portman was less inclined to come back, but the script ensures she has a more central role for the sequel - journeying to Asgard to meet the potential in-laws and Christopher Eccleston provides a decent sense of menace in a somewhat under-written and prosthetic-covered role.  Rene Russo’s role is also expanded and Hopkins’ Odin has the usual sense of gravitas.  But, as might be expected, it’s Tom Hiddleston who steals absolutely every scene that he’s in, his Loki as wonderfully snake-like and yet sardonically silver-tongued devil as ever . The film really kicks into gear when he’s finally motivated to enter the fray and this is a performer that can do more with one raised eye-brow and a sigh than some actors can do with a whole career.

Midgard, or Earth if you really must, is once again the less interesting of the two realms, though it’s nice to see London being the centre of the earthly action rather than the familiar American cities so regularly trashed. This time it’s mainly used for comedic punctuation as Stellan Skarsgaard runs around Stonehenge sans trousers and Jane Foster’s team try to avoid being sidelined by a gravity-defying apocalypse.  It’s Asgard that glitters and holds that Shakespearian atmosphere that Kenneth Branagh originally captured and brings out the sense of scope and wonder. Director Alan Taylor (probably best known for his tv work on projects such as Game of Thrones) is a suitable replacement. 

At time veering its action set-pieces between an obvious Lord of the Rings vibe and steampunk'd Star Wars dog-fights, there may be people who begin counting the homage and formulaic aspects of the film – of which there are arguably plenty. But by the time you step out of the cinema, it’s unlikely you won’t feel you’ve at least had some genuine fun. It may not push the creative boundaries as much as the fictional aspects of the story seek to do, but there’s every reason to think that Marvel will be ultimately fairly pleased by critical reaction and box-office, having caught lightning in the bottle once again.

Those who stay through the credits will be treated to two brief extra scenes – one played largely for laughs and the other a definite, if rather abstract, nod to furthering the bigger canvas on which Marvel are painting their stories.

Ultimately there are enough special effects, set-pieces, character humour and a basket-load of easter-eggs here to keep everyone happy and if the pacing is a little off, then it remains a right-Royal romp and a rumble that should at least raise a smile...

Released by Disney, Thor: The Dark World hits UK cinemas next week...

Also see:

Petra Yorke on how the bad guys steal the thunder:  HERE

Kevin Feige and Alan Taylor discuss the groundwork for the film: HERE