Thor: The Dark World Review

Director: Alan Taylor.

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Christopher Eccleston, Anthony Hopkins.

Running Time: 112 minutes.

Certificate: 12A.

Synopsis: Set after the events of THE AVENGERS, THOR: THE DARK WORLD sees Thor (Chris Hemsworth) once again attempt to save Earth and all the nine realms from an ancient race that predates the universe itself, led by the vengeful Malekith (Christopher Eccleston). Thor must defeat an enemy that even Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and Asgard cannot withstand, which sees them forced into an alliance with the traitorous Loki (Tom Hiddleston) to save the world from eternal darkness.

After previous Earth-set Marvel films IRON MAN 3 and THE AVENGERS, it’s a nice change to see the first half of THOR: THE DARK WORLD predominantly on Asgard. We get to see Thor in his natural environment where he is more mature and no longer a spoiled heir and we join Loki suffering in prison for his actions that led to The Battle of New York.

Though the titular Asgardian is arguably the hardest Avenger to portray on the big screen given that his home happens to be one of the nine realms and that he is, well, a demigod, it’s Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki that almost steals the show. Forever keeping the audience guessing as to whether he is truly evil or merely jealous of his “perfect” brother, Hiddleston has some of the best and funniest lines in the film, which definitely brings the humour up to the standard of THE AVENGERS.

Despite Hiddleston’s excellent delivery of some of the Marvel movies’ best lines, some of Loki’s usual tricks – such as creating illusions of himself – become tired and predictable towards the end. Indeed, Christopher Eccleston makes a formidable villain, but it is a shame we only begin to see how capable he is in the last few scenes. Malekith’s makeup and costume also leave something to be desired, as a lack of originality sees him bearing an uncanny likeness to STAR TREK’s Nero, with his minions resembling cybermen.

Hemsworth and Hiddleston have an impressive supporting cast behind them in the form of Anthony Hopkins and Stellan Skarsgard, both bringing contrasting ‘elder statesman’ aspects to the film, reprising their roles as the serious Odin and the wacky Dr. Erik Selvig who is still unfortunately scarred by his experiences with Loki, post-AVENGERS. Chris O’Dowd also makes a short appearance as a potential love interest for Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster, and, though an unexpected presence, you’ll be surprised at how genuinely funny he is.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD is a stellar continuation of the Marvel films that will have you strangely laughing and rooting for Loki. And, judging by the disappointingly unsubtle last scene before the credits, we will most likely be seeing Thor, Loki and Odin once more.

 THOR: THE DARK WORLD is released in UK cinemas on Wednesday 30th October. It hits the US on Friday 8th November.