It Has its Moments but Fails to Rise Above Mediocrity

Rating: 6/10 (8 March 2014)

What can I say? Yet another mediocre output from Marvel, sure it's not bad, in fact, it's completely watchable but is that all we demand from blockbusters anymore?
Though, that is not to say Thor 2 is without its merits. It's greatest achievement is perhaps it's absolutely flawless production design. I'll congratulate the fellow who could find a single fault within the sets, costumes, make-up and/or CGI and even directing and acting. Moreover there are more than a handful of Grade A action/comedy sequences that truly transcend the film and may I say, are completely kickass.
But there are some major things wrong with the film and with a production this flawless, the blame can only fall on one spot... The writing.
As a screenwriter myself I got a lot to complain about here, I'll try to keep it short but get ready for a roast...
Character development is lacking with no real motivation for the Dark Elves actions and no significant growth in Thor or other characters by the end of the film.
The pacing is uneven and sporadic, with way too many breaks for exposition. Which brings me to..
Too many things set up and not enough payoffs, ex: whatever happened to the Asian guy in the beginning? I would have loved to see that tie together to something at the end.
And lastly, there is a lack of momentum and sense of scale to the story. Instead of a slow build to a giant payoff the movie sort of meanders and wanders. Worst of all , even though apparently the entire universe is on the line it never feels that way. I mean what the hell?! the Dark Elf invasion of earth is like one ship and a few dozen soldiers..
End roast.
Long story short, Thor 2 is a beautiful film to look at but overall suffers from a script that doesn't do justice to the material. Though, despite the scripts numerous shortcomings it has just enough moments of brilliance to keep you watching all the way through. If you keep your expectations low you'll have a decent time with the movie, just don't expect much.