Oh, Marvel Studios, you have tickled our fancies once again.
Have no plans this weekend? Then you might want to pick up a ticket or two to see Marvel’s latest great, “Thor: The Dark World.”
Just when we thought the Kingpins of the comic book industry could not have possibly topped their box off success, “The Avengers,” Marvel Studios brings us back to Thor’s home realm of Asgard in this epic sci-fi/action masterpiece.
This film takes the elements from the first “Thor” and turns the amp all the way up to 11. There is double the action, double the comedy, double the drama and the film is as twisty as they come.
Alan Taylor is a perfect addition to the Marvel Studios directing family. He has delivered us a great, evenly paced story and knows when to tug on our heartstrings or make us laugh to the point of knee slapping.
Visually, the film is very heavy in CGI but not in a way that is distracting. Every little animated and rendered detail is included with a purpose that enhances the film’s overall atmosphere. The action sequences in the movie are surprisingly very unique. Just like “The Avengers,” “Thor: The Dark World” has beautifully choreographed fight scenes, but they incorporate an element that makes the final scene a showdown to remember.
Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman have great on-screen chemistry, which sets aside any reserves about it from the first film. Their relationship feels a lot more natural in the second film than the first Thor where their scenes felt rushed for plot convenience.
Tom Hiddleston is great as Loki, as always, showing a great range of personalities that will keep movie watchers guessing from start to finish as to what tune he is trying to play.
The film has a great supporting cast, with Rene Russo giving a heartfelt performance as Frigga, queen of Asgard. Kat Dennings as Darcy and Stellan Skarsgard as Dr. Erik Selvig prove to be our comedic relief for the film but also play important roles for the story’s progression, especially in the third act.
And the ninth Doctor himself, Christopher Eccleston, becomes one with his antagonist character, Malekith, proving his point that he wants to be remembered for more than one big role.
“Thor: The Dark World” will not only satisfy Marvel buffs’ thirst for high quality entertainment but it will also leave them craving for more.