Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins

Directed by Alan Taylor

Centuries ago there was an epic battle between the dark Elves and Asgardians over the power of the Aether, a mythical force that could bring darkness to the nine realms once they unite in an event known as the Convergence.  The Asgardians manage to defeat the Elves, but their leader, Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) escapes with some of his soldiers.

Two years after the attack on New York, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is sent to an Asgard prison by his adoptive father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins).  Meanwhile, Odin's son Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is trying to bring the nine realms to peace, all the while pining over his love on Earth, Jane (Natalie Portman).

On Earth, Jane and her intern come across mysterious events that cause matter to appear and disappear, and Jane comes into contact with the Aether.  Thor comes to Earth to bring Jane back to Asgard as Malekith awakens and goes in search of the Aether, as another Convergence is about to occur.

Thor goes to great lengths to protect his people - and the peoples of the nine realms - by forming an uneven truce with Loki as they join forces to bring down Malekith and bring the Aether back under control before it brings all worlds into darkness.

There were some aspects of the first "Thor" movie I didn't really like, basically because it was directed by Kenneth Branagh, who is a tremendous director and actor, but is more well-known for directing Shakespeare plays into film, not so much taking an action star and bringing it to life.  The first "Thor" was missing in action and grandiose splendor, and tried to take a more dramatic approach.

For "The Dark World," the director of several episodes of the hit TV series "Game of Thrones" - Alan Taylor - took the directing realm, and transformed "Thor" into an all-out action spectacle, filled with immerse action and stunning effects, while still maintaining a cohesive storyline and compelling characters, especially Loki, who turns from someone who is bent on taking over Earth to stopping an evil genius.  Jane, as well, gets a meatier storyline than the original, and makes her more prominent in Thor's life than just a potential love interest. 

Marvel continues to amaze with "Thor: The Dark World," the second film in their Phase 2 initiative, and a much better sequel to its predecessor  Effortlessly blending drama, action and humor into a blockbuster that's worthy of the Marvel title.

My Rating: A