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 Avenger 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, the
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+
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