(Movie Review) Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Thor: The Dark World hammers the competition in its opening weekend 

I’m a DC comics fan. I have been all my life. So it shames me to admit this but MARVEL really dominates the world of comic based movies. When I say dominates, I liken that comment to Chuck Liddell dominating my grandmother in a fist fight. Sure, DC has had success with Batman and Superman lately, but it has failed to capitalize on the other 99% of its roster. Marvel is so far ahead of the game with their films that it’s not even a fair comparison any longer. Thor: The Dark World was not only an entertaining film, but it set up 2 other future Marvel movies in its end credits alone. I have to give credit where credit is due….even if I don’t like doing it. 

Storyline: A war that raged thousands of years ago pitted the Dark Elves, led by Malekith (Eccleston), against the army of Asgard . The Dark Elves wanted to use and ancient power known as the Aether to send the 9 realms into complete darkness for all of eternity. When Asgard defeated the Dark Elves, with Malekith narrowly escaping, the Asgard king hid the Aether deep underground. In present day, Jane Foster (Portman), after slipping through a “break” between realms, comes into contact with the Aether and in invades her body. Malekith, sensing that this powerful weapon has been unearthed, seeks it out. Thor (Hemsworth) must now protect Jane and Asgard from the onslaught of the Dark Elves. 

Above I gave this movie some much due credit, and I will stand by that, but this movie is not without flaws. First and foremost, they try too hard to load it with “accessible” comedic moments. It strives to be Iron Man without including Tony Stark. I think that considering the dark tone of the film, the comedy was sometimes overused. 

Also, while I love Natalie Portman, the focus of the film should stay with Hemsworth and Hiddleston. They have amazing onscreen chemistry that CRUSHES the forced chemistry between Thor and Jane. I feel like the human side of the story weighed down the Asgard side of the film.

Worth the admission? Of course! Sure, it has some hiccups, but the movie is really entertaining. When you can bring in one of The Avengers (I won’t spoil which one) for a bit part…you know you have a big movie on your hands. Also, in the credits it not only promises Thor 3 but also sets the premise for Guardians of the Galaxy. If anyone watches that scene and doesn’t understand the significance of it, let me know and I will happily give you the rundown of what is going on.  

Marvel also announced a new series with ABC in development as well as 4 Netflix projects that will soon be in development (Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist). Needless to say, the comic book geeks of the world will be entertained for a long time to come.