'Dark World' more of the same - with a weaker plot

Rating: 6/10 (24 December 2017)

2013's follow-up to the Chris Hemsworth-starring Marvel film 'Thor' is one that didn't excite audiences the way other films in the genre have, and has become somewhat overlooked in the studio's library. It's true - 'Thor: The Dark World' was more or less a "bridge" movie to get from the bigger hit that was 'Iron Man 3' to the superior 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier,' but it served its purpose.
At the center of 'Dark World' is an ancient force called the Aether that takes hold of Thor's love interest Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). What ensues is a multidimensional cat-and-mouse chase in a race to save Jane and put an end to the destructive plans of an evil elf named Malekith (Christopher Eccleston). So, pretty standard plot for a superhero movie, and much less interesting than the previous film's plot.
While the 'Thor' franchise boasts some memorable characters who have good resumes, including Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Odin (Anthony Hopkins), Eric (Stellan Skarsgård) and Darcy (Kat Dennings), their performances in this sequel feel just like a continuation of the first movie - nothing new or special. This applies to the dialogue, as well - it's well written considering the genre, with enough cheekiness and wit to go around, but again, it's same old, same old.
As per usual, the special effects are great. The world of Asgard comes to life through the CGI, as do the barren lands of "the dark world" (which was aptly filmed in Iceland). But other than these elements, the film is fairly forgettable.
'Thor: The Dark World' was a necessary entry in the Marvel film universe, and should be seen as a "cross off the list" kind of movie, but it's not near the top of the list when it comes to quality.