As many have said Iron Man 3 felt very much like an epilogue to Phase 1, well THOR: THE DARK WORLD seems to agree as it clearly has set up the tone and temperament of Phase 2 and really does feel as though it is building to something greater. Its darker but still allows the audience plenty of room to laugh and not feel as though were watching The Dark Knight, the visuals are spectacular although that could now be considered standard for a Marvel film but most importantly it, more so than Iron Man 3 did, why this is solely a Thor film and why the Avenger arent in it. This time around Thor (Chris Hemsworth) isnt battling his evil adoptive brother Loki (Tom Huddleston), but a race of Dark Elves, mystical beings from the relm Svartalfheim lead by Malekith the Accursed (Christopher Eccleston). When Malekith tries to destory the entire universe in order to return darkness over the land, Thor must work with his brother in order to save the universe. I actually really enjoyed Thor: The Dark World. While it doesnt personally meet the standards of Avengers, Iron Man or even Captain America (my personal non Avengers film), this is still a fun and worthwhile chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The action is intense at parts and the visual effects are gorgeous to behold, especially what they do with Malekith and his makeup. It looks great and feels very much like it belongs in the Marvel Universe. Remember, this is a different director and instead of doing something like Alfonso Cuarón did in the third Harry Potter film by changing it all up, Alan Taylor has recreated the world Kenneth Branagh did in the first time and simply expanded on it. This does lead into however my main criticism of the film. While I do admire Taylor for being able to re-create the world that Branagh created (something he definitely would have picked up in his television days), this screams first blockbuster director as there are times where he doesnt quite know what to do or where to go with the story and elements are repeated that could have been simplified and smoothed out. A prologue that explains who the Elves are is great but when Odin (Anthony Hopkins) then re-explains everything the prologue did to Thor 20 minutes later in feels repetitive. This is my only grip with the film as the story simply isnt strong enough and I feel like everyone involved knew this, especially with all the stories of reshoots and rewrites weve been hearing, hence why there is the sudden increase in humour within these films, most of which derives from Loki. Hiddleston is wonderful in this yet again and seems to relish in the opportunity he has as Loki everytime he appears on screen and its obvious why he was added into more scenes, hes simply just a joy to be around. Hemsworth again is serviceable as Thor although he doesnt do anything to stand out. The same with the rest of the cast, particularly Eccleston who doesnt quite leave a mark as Malekith. Thor: The Dark World is a fun enough superhero film, featuring some brilliant moments of comedy (one cameo especially was amazing) and a spectacular visual pallet but unfortunately falls short in terms of story and direction. Marvel fans who may have been disappointed by the risks taken in Iron Man 3 wont find such risks here and therefore Thor: The Dark World shouldnt be involved in much controversy and it is fairly safe to say no-one will leave the film disappointed. This is a good kick-off for Phase 2 and I will admit makes me even more excited for what is to come. As always with a Marvel film make sure you stick around until the very end of the credits. There are two scenes, both of which are worth your while. 3.5/5
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 12:26:05 +0000
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