Literally buries the first film and turns in one of the truly great sci-fi films of the year!

Rating: 9/10 (29 November 2013)

I am sort of a wishy washy fan of the Marvel films. So far they have ranged from decent to really good and The Avengers was definitely the height of that and so far the best...until now. It is ironic because I actually thought Thor was one of the weakest of the Marvel films. It didn't really impress me although in watching it again I liked it more the second time. But Thor: The Dark World is simply stunning. Everything about this film works. It absolutely felt like The Avengers and had sort of that same action/comedy blend with a definitive focus on the action and the fantasy elements. Similar to the first most of the film takes place on Asgard or one of the other realms with some time on Earth but there was simply something more astounding about it this time. Superhero angle aside this was an incredible, stand alone science fiction film. There were actually certain aspects of the film that were reminiscent of Star Wars or had the world's feel to it and I mean that as a compliment. This isn't about a guy in tights saving people but rather a mythical warrior and the world around him. The special effects are jaw dropping and the battle scenes absolutely epic in stature.
I think I am fast becoming a Chris Hemsworth fan. Earlier this year he blew me away in Ron Howard's Rush and he is truly larger than life as Thor. There is something undeniably charismatic about him and when he dons that Thor outfit with that ridiculous hammer he absolutely embodies the role. He commands the screen with a character who could be very silly and he has really found his groove since the first film. Natalie Portman returns as Thor's love interest. She is okay in the role. I really do like Portman and I think she's a terrific actress but somehow I can't latch onto her Jane Foster character. They have good chemistry and she gets some decent lines but she doesn't seem to be into it as much as she could be. Tom Hiddleston also returns as Loki in sort of an anti-hero capacity forced to work with his brother. Hemsworth and Hiddleston have a terrific chemistry opposite each other and they have emotionally powerful scenes in this that literally almost brought tears to my eyes...almost. Hiddleston is terrific as Loki and has gone back to more of the dark roots rather than the silly maniacal character from The Avengers. Anthony Hopkins is back again as Odin in a slightly bigger role. Who better to play the All Father than Hollywood legend Hopkins. He is terrific and he instantly adds a new level to the cast. Kat Dennings deserves mention in the supporting cast in a much bigger role than the first film. She is the comic relief and she does what she does best with her biting sarcasm. It is almost overused...almost. But instead it is just the right amount and her one liners had me laughing. Other worthwhile mentions in the supporting cast include Rene Russo, Idris Elba (LOVE his character and I think he could support his own film entirely,) Stellan Skarsgård and Jaimie Alexander all do exceptionally well. Our villain this time is played by Christopher Eccleston and he is definitely a worthy villain. He certainly looks the part and perhaps my only critique would be that they gave him a little more development and a little more personality.
I never really understand how they choose directors. In this case you have Alan Taylor who comes almost entirely out of television to land one of the biggest films of the year. Not that there is anything wrong with that because he made a film that is clearly and definitively superior to the its original. Despite a few references to The Avengers, this is a stand alone movie that anyone can come into and enjoy. The scenery and special effects should be tops at the Oscars because it truly was amazing. I did see it in 3D though (as I always say) it was unnecessary. The special effects are good enough that 3D has nothing to do with it. The story is even better, the characters were amazing and I didn't want it to end when it was all over. It very clearly one of the best films I have seen this year and I was so pleased. Also watch for a great (and amusing) Captain America cameo. I keep thinking Marvel is seriously over-saturating the market with their films but if they keep at this quality than bring it on. 9.5/10