The first “Thor” introduced us to the hero from Norse mythology and the Marvel comics; showing us his origin on Asgard, why he came to Earth, and how he eventually learns the value of humbleness and self-sacrifice. We were also introduced to Loki, Thor’s evil and resentful brother. Since then, we have seen the two once again in “The Avengers,” when Thor teamed up with a gang of other superheroes in order to fight off Loki once again. And, finally, that leads us here, to “Thor: the Dark World” (“Thor 2”). At this point, we already know the characters, we know what’s happening, and we know who to root for. So, let’s get right to the action.
“Thor 2,” chronologically follows the events of “The Avengers.” Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) are both back on their home planet Asgard, where Loki is currently being imprisoned due to his horrific attack on Earth. We soon hear of a rare planetary shift that only occurs once every 5,000 years, when the Nine Realms come into alignment. Malekith, the leader of the Dark Elves, intends to use this moment to unleash an evil entity known as the Aether, which will destroy all life in the universe. Thor and his fellow Asgardians, as well as with friends back on Earth, are the universe’s only hope.
As great of a villain as Loki had been in both “Thor” and “The Avengers,” his role had, at this point, grown tiresome. The “God of Mischief” would always be up to no good. For this reason, it was wise to provide Loki with a different part in “Thor 2.” Loki allies with Thor as part of a deal, due to him being the only one that can help defeat Malekith. Although it is clear that this truce is doomed to fail, it’s still fun to see Loki with the good guys once again, fighting alongside his brother. The astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), Thor’s love interest from the first film, also returns in this sequel, although this time with a much more important role. And then you have all the rest: Thor’s father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), his mother Frigga (Rene Russo), the guardian sentry Heimdall (Idris Elba), and Thor’s friends: Volstagg (Ray Stevenson), Fandral (Zachary Levi), Hogun (Tadanobu Asano) and Sif (Jaimie Alexander); the combination of which make “Thor 2” feel like an episode of “Game of Thrones.”
Although I wasn’t aware at first, Alan Taylor, the director of this film, actually did direct several episodes of “Game of Thrones.” It’s easy to relate the two, as both consist of medieval characters in a magical setting. Where “Thor 2” differs though, is in its extravagance. Although “Game of Thrones” has grandiose towers and castles, it is nothing compared to this. Here, we see Asgard in all its elegance; from the sparkling gold of the king’s throne, to the glittering multi-colored rainbow bridge, to a magnificent panoramic view of the towers and structures of the city from up above. And, at times, we travel back and forth through portals to other worlds, such as the Dark World where the film gets its name. The first “Thor” merely hinted at the realities of the Nine Realms, but “Thor 2” presents it all in precise detail.
While watching “Thor 2,” I was immediately reminded of another science fiction superhero film, which had come out just a few months ago: “Man of Steel.” Both movies contain powerful supernatural beings from another planet, some of which have our best intentions at heart (Super-Man and Thor), and some of which are hell-bent on destruction (General Zod and Malekith). Both films have a final climactic battle on Earth, destroying much of a city in the process. But, the comparison really ends there. “Man of Steel,” although visually impressive, doesn’t present a solid, balanced story, which I discuss in detail in an earlier review. It is too serious, too lengthy, and too drawn out. “Thor 2,” on the other hand, is a riveting, entertaining spectacle from start to finish.
As mentioned earlier, “Thor 2” had little need for character development or exposition, due to the previous two films. And, as a result, that left much more room for the action. Thor here is as powerful as ever, as he wields his mighty hammer and strikes down enemies in several different realms: in Asgard, alongside the other Asgardians in their epic fight for survival against the Dark Elves; on the Dark World, fighting side-by-side with Loki against giant monsters; and, finally, on Earth, as he and Malekith finally come head-to-head, with reality slowly unraveling around them. But, despite all the action, the film is not afraid to poke fun at itself, seen in such comic-relief characters as Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) or the eccentric Dr. Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard), who, at times, provide some much needed ease of tension.
Even after eight films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to impress. “Thor 2” is further proof of that. Whether the series focuses on a man with indestructible iron suits, or a doctor that, when angry, turns into a giant green monster, or a god straight from Norse mythology; the series always manages to entertain. “Thor 2” is among the finest action films of the year.