As a DC fanboy, it always pinched me a little to see Marvel being light-years ahead(yes, I mean that in distance) of DC in terms of adapting their properties. But Marvel seems to be having a streak similar to Pixar’s and Disney couldn't be happier, and what Kevin Feige and team have achieved over the last 6-8 years, is the stuff of legend. Thor: The Dark world further cements Marvels domination in the Super hero movie segment, and expands Marvels cinematic Universe even more.
It revolves around a premise similar to most other super hero movies. A big baddie wants to destroy the world, and it’s up to our hero, who has to save the world from destruction. It chronicles events post the first Thor, and the Avengers. One would think SHIELD or some of the other avengers would show up, given that, as usual, the climax goes down on earth, but no such luck.
Thor starts off a little slow. The first 15 minutes feel like a rehash of Man of Steel, and there are a few similarities to be drawn up between the two movies if you look for them. It switches gears about 20 minutes in, and doesn't let up till the very end.
It has moments of grandeur, amazing sci-fi, and space opera that will leave your jaws wide open. There was also a lot more humor than I anticipated. There’s the romance angle in there too, trust issues between Thor and Loki, and some really elaborate VFX work here. All these elements come together to make a great ‘masala’ flick.
It’s great to see marvel creating these movies as genuine comic book films. They’re not trying to make them ‘realistic’. They’ve established these heroes successfully during Phase 1, and Avengers, and Phase 2 is all about playing with the rich comic book history of these heroes. This, I believe allows them to unleash some real creativity in their action sequences and story lines. The post credit scene, with its nod to the Infinity Gauntlet, and the soon to come out Guardians of the Galaxy movie, should see marvel expanding their universe far beyond Earth and Asgard.
The cast seems very comfortable in their respective roles, and everyone does a solid job with their parts. Chris Helmsworh, with his god like body and big hammer, Anthony Hopkins as the all father, and Natalie Portman, are all great. I would have loved to see Christopher Eccelston have a meatier role as the villain, Malekith, who comes across as a surprisingly one dimensional evil being, with no redeeming qualities what so ever.
It was great to see Idris Elba ‘s Heimdall get some more screen time this time around, and even kick some ass. Fan favorite Loki is back, and boy did he get an ovation when we first saw him on screen! Tom Hiddleston absolutely OWNS as Loki, and every second he’s on screen is an absolute delight to watch.
This is arguably (in my opinion anyway) marvels best movie so far, barring avengers and (potentially)the first iron man. Alan Taylor does a great job behind the camera, and handles the copious amounts of actions with flair. I wouldn't be surprised if we see him helm a few more Marvel properties in the coming years.
BEST SCENE
A scene between Thor and Loki, where Loki uses his powers of Illusion to Hilarious effct. I won’t spoil the surprise for you guys.
WORST SCENE
The entire first sequence where Anthony Hopkins dutifully narrates the History of events, introducing the villain, seemed like a real drag
VERDICT
Do not miss this one folks. Thor: The Dark World gets 2 thumbs up!