Saturday, November 02, 2013
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.
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| 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.
Rating: 4/5
*Published in the Daily Liberal (Dubbo), Western Advocate (Bathurst), Parkes Champion Post, Midstate Observer (Orange) and Rotten Tomatoes from Saturday 2/11/2013
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