And so the story continues....
Picking up shortly after the events of New York City, Thor: The Dark World reunites Chris Hemsworth with several returning cast members of the original 2011 film as they bring to life another high-powered adventure centering around the Mighty Avenger. This time around, unlike in 2011, we spend the majority of our time on Asgard, building a better understanding of Thor's homeland as he fights to save the Nine Realms from a dark and mysterious enemy that predates the universe itself.
Natalie Portman, who was highly underused during the original film, makes an extremely visible return as Jane Foster, the woman who holds Thor's heart. It is Jane whose life is first put into jeopardy when she is thought to possess a weapon so powerful it could send the universe into complete darkness.
For what it is worth, Thor: The Dark World is a huge step up in comparison to its 2011 counterpart. Not only is the story faster and more visually entertaining, but the visuals are improved, the dialogue stronger, and the overall aesthetic one of intricate placement. Instead of blowing everything up and hoping to wow the audience with some cool special effects, director Alan Taylor spent time developing the story, the characters, and the process. This film fits within the framework of several others"”walking that line is anything but easy.
That being said, Thor: The Dark World is not a great film. Is it good? Sure. I can give you that. But there is a vast difference between it and several of the other Marvel Cinematic Universe entries. What makes it mediocre? That part is easy: there is no clear path to victory.
Thor, in and of himself, isn't part of this world. As a result, he is difficult to truly capture on screen. (Think Superman, only a bit less interesting.) How did the film opt to fill the void? Throw in a mountain of minor characters and a wise cracking Kat Dennings that reminds us all a bit too much of her role on CBS' Two Broke Girls.
The film is literally all over the place, and it never gets its grip of reality until over half way through. By that time the film has fallen so deep into the pit hole of mediocrity that you aren't even interested in the popcorn-flavored crap that it is trying to sell. Renee Russo offers nothing special to the film, and Anthony Hopkins was painfully underused as Odin. Throw in a somewhat underwhelming Zachary Levi and an unneeded Stellan Skarsgard, and you have an unfortunate situation where the missteps have begun to take the entire experience off track, leaving little to be enjoyed as you anxiously await the scene during the credits, you now, where Marvel continues to hook us all as we are teased to the edge of our seats with what to expect next in the never-ending series.
Thor: The Dark World isn't a complete waste of money, and you should probably see it for mere social standing. But don't be surprised if you leave the theater a bit disappointed. Granted expectations were high"”it is Marvel. But you have to remember, this film was about Thor. He might be the Mighty Avenger, but this film solidifies that he is nothing close to the most interesting.
