When the Cheshire emerges...

Thor: The Dark World (M)

THE TALE of Asgardian heir to the throne and all-round god Thor is Marvel's most mixed with its elements of medieval living and intergalactic reach. It's an ironic notion to think we're looking for some superior alien race, and Marvel have nothing to suggest that for much of it life is where Earthlings were 1500 years ago.

At the same time, Thor's story is most relatable with its focus on his relationship with brother Loki. The pair could not be more opposite (indeed on-screen representatives Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston appearance-wise), representing good and evil while managing to keep a light head. 

A parallel of good and evil is what this sequel first shows; while Thor is off fighting for peace within the nine realms Asgard rules over, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) is still losing a two-year battle of heartbreak. Not even the bumbling charm of Richard (Chris O'Dowd) can improve her mindset.

Jane's work has led her to London, where her time as a singleton comes to an end after falling through a portal to an unknown realm and contracting the Aether. You'd be right thinking that's a bad thing - the Aether is a matter capable of destroying worlds and highly sought by exiled elf Malekith (Christopher Eccleston).

It's a triple whammy for Jane - she finds her love once more, gets to travel to Asgard and meets the parents (Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins). But the plan to be rid of a threat known previously to Thor only in childhood stories has the saviour in a real predicament.

Photo: perezhilton.com - I love this!

The Marvel Cinematic Universe just keeps on giving with this fine continuation of the thread. The script from Christopher Yost, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely is extremely entertaining, with plenty of unexpected twists and cracking humour delivered well by the cast. Everyone gets a go in contributing, and no one disappoints.

Importantly, the story continues the ongoing feud between brothers, founded from Loki's desire for the Asgardian throne and still fuelled by his view of supposed favoritism towards Thor. It's essentially Marvel's version of any given sibling rivalry, engrossing for its wave of positive and negative emotion as well as Loki's ability to keep everyone guessing.

Hiddleston has fun with his gleeful villain, creating the smallest bit of sympathy while still managing to exude a most evil interior. Alongside him, Hemsworth counteracts nicely as Thor with his strong presence and good intentions. The supporting cast all return, including a crazed Stellan Skarsgard, and new characters create unexpected sub-plots to add to the overall story twists.

As per usual within Marvel's realm, post-credit scenes give an insight of what's to come - and they won't disappoint. The first film delivered a good introduction, and now we learn Thor can withstand complex issues that concern Asgard and Earth. A great continuation not to be missed.

I hope everyone had a lovely Anzac Day and remembered the fallen. Lest we forget.

I'm bringing this to you especially early because I'm happy that we got it before the US, and I'm really anxious to know what others think - so voice your view!

Iron Man 3 (M)

SINCE the resurgence of the superhero genre with the powerful rebirths of Spider-Man and Batman, audiences have become accustomed to a slew of films crafted with a smarter interior, expecting fans' prior knowledge and specifically playing to it.

It's a dangerous game, alienating those who may decide to jump in halfway. But the masterminds of comic adaptations in Hollywood know there are enough fans (and revenue to be made) to make the risk worth taking.

As such, the return of Tony Stark to cinemas is the first in Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase Two. The first film to follow events of The Avengers, it takes place in a world aware of a superhero force.

But that has close to no influence as Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey jnr) faces the threat of bomb terrorist the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). His relationship with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) also becomes problematic when Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) wants to share his body regeneration treatment Extremis with Stark Industries.

Stark is in a muddled place. He's an insomniac, haunted by the Avengers' battle in New York and channeling energy into making more Iron Man suits. Fed up with another villain trying to enter the scene, he is brash in his approach. That's not unlike his character, but there is a sense of desperation as his world looks to be crumbling in all its facets.

The strong, slick story by director Shane Black and Drew Pearce centres on that idea of desperation as Stark enlists in the help of Colonel James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and little friend Harley (Ty Simpkins) in trying to figure out the Mandarin's next attack.

As Stark returns to the realities of the real world he finds his shield can't always be his safeguard. He is more often than not exposed, which frightens him as he faces a threat that becomes much bigger than he anticipated.

Black, writer of Lethal Weapon, finds himself very much at ease in the Marvel world, keeping the Iron Man humour of previous films intact while upping the action to a menacing degree. Working with Downey jnr again after Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Black gives him more to deal with emotionally.

The leading man still portrays Stark/Iron Man with a near-effortless flamboyance true to the characters. Kingsley is particularly good though as a villain with a difference, while Cheadle gets the fun straw, with an alter ego of his own a chance for him to ham things up.

Like any Marvel film within the Avengers thread, questions linger over the future of the characters and the direction the series will take. The post-credits scene won't give you any idea, but it does wrap up the film nicely.

Rating: 4/5

MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEW? See what I thought of Olympus Has Fallen.

Just a quick comment I want to make: my friend pointed out that Loki as depicted by Marvel is nothing like her knowledge of the character from Norse mythology, and as such she was a bit disappointed. I can't say to know anything about the myths but found it an interesting concept that if that's true there mustn't have been anyone else worthy to Stan Lee and co. in filling that void...

For the film as a whole, such huge hype has preceded this event and it held up to expectation. Plus I was excited to see Tom Hiddleston in such an extensive role (because authenticity or not, Loki's a great character) after he couldn't tell me much when I interviewed him for Thor :)

Blog exclusive: Personal opinion: the two hottest Chris' in the universe.

Rating: 4/5

*Published in the Daily Liberal (Dubbo), Western Advocate (Bathurst), Parkes Champion Post and Midstate Observer (Orange) from Saturday 28/4/2012

MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEW? See what I thought of The Lucky One.