THE GOD OF THUNDER ROCKS MY WORLD // A FILM REVIEW OF "THOR: THE DARK WORLD"

BY LIZ WHITTEMORE

I never saw Thor in the theater so I figured I’d watch it on Netflix Friday night. Entertaining; yes. Hunky leading man; check. Colorful action sequences; you got it. Then last night, I saw Thor: The Dark World. This movie blows the original out of the water.

The story begins with a tale of Asgard’s history. Thousands of years ago, a race called the Dark Elves try to send the universe into darkness with a weapon called Aether. The Asgardian warriors defeat the Dark Elves, though their leader, Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) is able to escape. The warriors realize that the weapon cannot be destroyed, so they bury deep in the ground. Jump to present day where we find Thor (Chris Hemsworth) trying to reunite the nine realms, thus leaving Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) in the lurch on Earth for two years. She has been following anomalies like the one that brought Thor to Earth the first time, but now in London. She when she goes to investigate she discovers a wormhole that brings her directly to where the Aether is hidden and it enters her body. Thor, noticing that Jane has disappeared, travels to Earth to find her. She re-enters the wormhole just as Thor arrives. Police await them and as they attempt to grab Jane, the Aether throws them all to the ground. Not understanding what is happening, Thor takes her to Asgard to meet his family and to diagnose what is wrong with her. Malekith, senses that the Aether has been released. He sends his trusted henchman, Algrim, transformed now into an entirely new character named Kurse (Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje), to lead an attack on Asgard. During the ensuing mayhem Thor’s Mother is killed. Thor, along with his cohorts, travels to the Dark Elves realm to confront them. For this, he will need extra help. He releases Loki (Tom Hiddleston) who has been locked in the dungeon for his, shall we say, past transgressions. Thor is worried that he cannot trust Loki but has no other choice but to seek his help.

Director Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones, The Sopranos) hits it out of the park. The 3D platform really added to the spectacular flight scenes. Though, I am sure that the 2D version would be just as breathtaking. The fight sequences, in particular, caught my eye. They are seamlessly choreographed and a treat to be a part of as an audience member. Hemsworth is pretty great to look at, if you’re into a perfectly sculpted physique. A few testosterone laden viewers in the theater laughed out loud at the few blatant shots of Thor shirtless. The rest of the theater was silent in admiration. Two real scene stealers are Tom Hiddleston and Kat Dennings. Hiddleston as Loki has the presence of a real god. His complete nonchalant charm is disarming in the best way possible. Some of the best moments are in his stillness and the slightest movement in his eyes. He makes being bad a good thing. Dennings is her usual hilarious self on screen. Her timing and delivery slay every time, which is fantastic in contrast to an ill cast Natalie Portman. Yes, she’s pretty, but an astrophysicist she is not. She could have been played by anyone else.  Eccleston is graceful in his portrayal of Malekith and completely unrecognizable. Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje was given a role most actors dream of. He fully fleshed out two very powerful and dynamic creatures. He had a stunning presence. Three cheers to the writers for keeping an exciting pace between wit and action. Thor: The Dark World is an incredible sequel. Remember to stay in your seats through the credits for some special treats.

LIZ’S GRADE: A-

Directed by: Alan Taylor Screenplay by: Christopher L. Yost, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely Story by: Don Payne, Robert Rodat Based on the characters created by: Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Christopher Eccleston, Anthony Hopkins, Kat Dennings

Rated PG-13: Violence and Crude Language

BOTTOM LINE: Thor: The Dark World  is exciting from start to finish. Action packed and sharp witted, it will not disappoint.