Thor: The Dark World
Currently the most interesting thing about the intertwined films making up the huge marvel universe is the difference in approach between the studios phase one (films introducing characters that were included in The Avengers) and phase two. Phase one featured plenty of humor and overall was light hearted but the last three films in the mega franchise, beginning with The Avengers, have gotten away from character depth or growth and have not only displayed extended action sequences but have amped up the humor as it seems like nearly every character is now primarily comic relief.
Marvel’s latest phase two installment, Thor: The Dark World, easily follows this trend as it is hard to tell at times if it wants to be an action film or a full out, slap stick comedy but this is not whats so frustrating about the film. Thor: The Dark World actually begins to focus on the emotions and complexity of its characters (most notably Loki) and by doing so, lays the grounds work for some of the most compelling moments of not just the Thor Franchise but the entire Avengers franchise. Unfortunately, these moments are quickly thrown away as decisions are made that go against all logic due to underdevelopment of the situation created.
Thor: The Dark World takes off where both Thor and The Avengers ended. With Thor (Chris Hemsworth) destroying the Bifrost (the bridge between realms) at the end of Thor, war has broken out between the nine realms. Because of this, Thor led Asgard warriors must restore order by going to battle with other realms. While this is taking place, Thor’s brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has been imprisoned for his action in New York (the focus of The Avengers). On earth, astrophysicist Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) becomes reunited with Thor when she falls into some kind of super natural teleportation hole. It is here that she comes in contact with the Aether, a highly dangerous weapon that was hidden years ago so that the Dark Elf Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) would not use it for destruction. This actually awakens Malekith which causes even more problems for Thor, Jane and all of Asgard.
Unlike Iron Man 3, when it comes to plot, Thor: The Dark World plays more like a sequel to its predecessor Thor than The Avengers. As one can see from the brief plot description given, the events that transpire in Thor are addressed in The Dark World. Even Loki’s motives to take over Asgard are revisited. If it can be looked at as only a part of the Thor franchise, than it works but other than a cameo by Chris Evans as Captain America and constant mentioning of New York (setting of The Avengers), Thor: The Dark World does very little to move along the Marvel film universe. However, when it comes to the massive amount of energy that allowed for humor, Thor: The Dark World is shares more similarities with both The Avengers and Iron Man 3 than Thor.
Since The Avengers, it has been obvious that Marvel wants to make an already light hearted franchise, into a 50/50 blend of action and humor. Thor: The Dark World not only continues this approach but takes it to a whole new level as it seems a like it wants to be a full out, slap stick comedy at times. Nearly every character is used as comic relief. For example, even though she plays a much larger role this time around, Natalie Portman’s Jane is rarely given any dialogue or moments that does not involve humor. This could be frustrating for those looking for deeper characters but I do know that in a scene where Thor hangs his hammer on a hook for a coat, the audience members in the sold out theater I was in absolutely erupted in laughter.
One of the biggest differences between Thor and Thor: The Dark World is Director Alan Taylor taking over the helms from Kenneth Branagh. Under Taylor’s direction, action sequence possess an appropriate pacing that matches the urgent moments they depict unlike the slow motion, out of place sequences featured in the first film. In fact, for the most part the film moves along smoothly as transitions from Asgard to earth or different realms may not be seamless but work to say the least. Also helping this is the grand feel that film has at times. Even the though Thor: The Dark World can easily be described as corny, the music used along with these moments works very well at times. With that said though, like Thor, it is the special effects and back drops that get in the way at times. There is nothing seamless about it as actors stick out in front of it in such a way that it becomes a distraction from what is really going on. Because of this I couldn’t help but think a resemblance to the Star Wars prequels. Not only the fake look but the overall design along with some of the sounds used are very similar to Episode II and III.
Maybe one of the most disappointing aspects of Thor: The Dark World is the little use of the title character. Chris Hemsworth as Thor was arguably the most entertaining character of Thor but in this sequel is given little to work with here as he is basically used as merely the films protagonist (really not even that at times). In scenes featuring Thor and Jane, Jane does the up staging. In scenes with Thor and Loki, Loki is the one you are supposed to focus on. Is this any real surprise though? Thor and The Avengers made it clear that Loki is an important part of what Disney and Marvel are creating but Thor: The Dark World goes beyond this to say that he is the center piece which is where things start to get a little overwhelming.
Clearly Loki has been established as a villain in both Thor and The Avengers but in his latest appearance a more vulnerable Loki is found. There is nothing to complain about here as this causes for arguably the most emotionally appealing character since Iron Man. In a scene immediately following the death of Thor and Loki’s mother, Loki is clearly emotionally drained, giving more layers to the character and making for a really good scene. Not soon after this, Loki is seen helping Thor, adding even more to the character. All of this though proves to be nothing due to multiple unearned plot twist.
With these twists and the final scene of the film, it is made clear that Marvel wants Loki to stick around and wants him to be true villain. Who can blame them? The last time I checked, a jealous brother and son filled with powerful rage can be chalked up as a respectable villain. To go along with this, Tom Hiddleston only enhances the character as he brings both a high level of energy and eeriness to the table. So why not let him go full out villain instead of using him as comic relief like he is a majority of the time in Thor: The Dark World.
Why not go as far as giving Loki his own film? With the way he is used in previous films, it has been made clear that he can carry a film on his own. With the help of Hiddleston, Loki is a respectable character that may just make for a movie that would be a fresh addition to a Marvel franchise that has and will be releasing third and fourth installments. With that said though, does appear that Disney is attempting to bring new elements and characters it’s this Marvel universe. Who knows if the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy along pre-production of Dr. Strange and Ant Man films will work but from what has been revealed, it is clear that it is a fresh attempt to bring new to series that has been taking somewhat of a ‘phoned-in’ approach.
Grade: C+
Review written by Brad Shawgo. Visit his blog, ShawGoesToTheMovies, for more great film reviews and movie posts.
Published on 3/19/2014 11:28:28 AM