Directed by: Alan Taylor
Story By: Don Payne & Robert Rodat
Written By: Christopher L. Yost, Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely
Based On The Comic Book By: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby & Larry Lieber
Cinematography By: Kramer Morgenthau
Editor: Dan Lebental & Wyatt Smith
Cast: Chis Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Tom Hiddleston, Rene Russo, Christopher Eccleston, Kat Dennings, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgard, Jamie Alexander, Zachary Levi, Ray Stevenson, Alice Krige
There are nine realms of Asgard and once every 5,000 years they align. Earth happens to be one of these realms. These realms create portals between the worlds during the alignment which is called "Convergence". On Earth, in London, Jane Foster believes she and her crew have discovered one such portal. Foster, while investigating the phenomenon, is transported to another realm and comes in contact with a substance called Aether. Upon coming into contact with the substance, it draws Thor from Asgard back to Earth. Thor takes Jane to Asgard to be cured from the Aether. Unfortunately in doing so it draws more than just Jane to that world. Another being called Malekith wants to use the Aether to destroy Asgard. Devising a plan with his brother - the war criminal Loki, Thor heads to "The Dark World" to destroy the Aether and save Asgard. But can Loki be trusted?
Now while I treat most comic book themed movies just like I do regular movies. I am not against the genre though at times it feels a bit like there are too many coming out at once and with this film this is the turning point for me at times. I like that all the films are linked in the same universe opening up opportunities and characters. It leaves some of the films lacking their own character and only like a set up for the next series of films or characters.
This film feels Like it's a new edition or chapter rather than a sequel. Thankfully it also feels shorter and not as overstuffed. This film moves along better and faster.
Since it doesn't feel as much as a lead or tip off to other upcoming marvel character based films. Though it's story does deal with the aftermath partially of THE AVENGERS. This time it feels like it has a chance to try to set up it's own identity.
While better then the first film at least in style. The first film had a better story for what it was.
Thankfully they bring back the character of Loki and As usual tom Huddleston steals the whole film in the role. With a certain charisma and sense of fun. While having a terrible haircut. He is always a pleasure to watch.
Loki was originally not going to appear at all, and there was going to be a much greater focus on Malekith and the Dark Elves. Following his popularity in THE AVENGERS, the script was rewritten to give him a bigger role. --At least Idris Elba is in the film more as well as the supporting cast from the first film who are pivotal in their roles this tone around more and have something to do.
Thankfully Kat Dennings is also back as the comic relief.
For all of the films strengths in my opinion this Is one of the weakest series of films in the marvel universe (Though THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN series seems to be some upcoming heavy competition) The Hulk currently earning that distinction, due to the difference in style and directors, cast changes and still not finding the right fit as they both have not been successful though the character remains a fan favorite.
This film takes less place on earth and instead we explore Thor's mystical realm with other beings as strong as gods. We get to revel in mystical empires Which at least helps build the suspense. I find the same problems I have with the comic book character are the same problems I have at times with the film. We know he can't really be defeated especially on earth as he is literally a god. so it takes some of the known mystery out of it and while he has the family dynamics of Greek mythology dramatic proportions. And what it would look like in epic proportions in modern times. While also giving us classic tales.
Which shows it's comic book roots time to time He's not that interesting a character as here he feels full on hero mode always and the villain isn't all that interesting either.
Let's face it in the first film the threat was generic and more insider. There was no doubt how it would end with Thor learning what it truly meant to be a god and learning how to be a hero. Here he has stronger enemies who try to appear to pose a real threat.
The films mood matches he title as most scenes take place in the dark and in more gloomy locations. As well as that seems to be the mood that the films sets.
It's interesting that comic book I liked he least or got used to as staples. So really my interest waned as far as their comic books IRON MAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA, and THE PUNISHER have been the more interesting films more illuminated and in the case of THE PUNISHER in particular though the films haven't been hits unlike THE HULK I have enjoyed each new reworking of the character his max series also helped to how the dynamics of the Character in a new way. Unfortunately Thor has just been passable still just like the comic book.
It might be that iron man and Captain America at essentially human put to the year and rising the challenge of defending he world of course with some enhancement, super powered help of technology and a serum, but still inspired is to do our best and be the best as we like to see ourselves in those type of roles. Like batman another hero a bunch of is can identify with. Though batman's battles seem more personal and located primarily on one place. Iron man and captain America's battles seem more global.
Thor and superman are who we wish we were the others are what we could be.
Kenneth Branagh turned down directing this film as he felt that the locked release date didn't give him enough pre-production time that he decided to work on Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit instead.
In late 2011, Patty Jenkins was officially announced as director for this film. In December 2011, she backed out of the project due to "creative differences". Natalie Portman was publicly upset that talks between Marvel and Patty Jenkins broke down, some sources even claim she threatened not to take part in the film with another director but couldn't get out of her contract.
This film is more comedic also thick it seems to aim more for at times along with a certain seriousness to define the situations.
A good rental.
Grade: C+
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