An entertaining sequel appealing to the general action-fantasy-SF market

Rating: Null/10 (2 November 2013)

My summary line is not intended to suggest that "Thor" in any way belongs to the artsy niche. Still, with Kenneth Branagh at the helm, it has more than a normal share of plot complication, intriguing subtlety and character development. In the hand of Emmy-winning TV drama director Alan Taylor, the sequel "The dark world" is good action-driven entertainment. For a brief recap of the background (which, as mentioned, is quite complicated), I can perhaps refer to my review of "Thor" (2011): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800369/reviews-85
The sequel comes with a much simpler plot. The titular reference is significant as the anchor for the main plot – villains trying to plunge the universe into perpetual darkness. Another key element is something that you'll find in almost every movie of this genre – an iconic object or substance. This time, it's an immensely powerful but rather elusive energy (looks like whiffs of red smoke, if you really have to know) that has found its way into Jane Foster's body. You can probably write the rest of the story just as capably as any screenwriter. Notice that I have not mentioned any names, for villain or substance. This is deliberate: why crowd this brief outline with unnecessary details?
Patience in the anticipation of the loyal audience is rewarded, particularly those frustrated in not seeing Natalie Portman in "The Avengers" (2012). Here, she is all Jane Foster again – scientist, sweetheart and, towards the end, not quite damsel-in-distress when she teams up with Stellan Skarsgard (reprising eccentric scientist Erik Selvig), using science to fight the baddies. Most of the other old friends are back. On the human world we have, cute as ever, Kat Dennings bringing back Darcy Lewis, plus a very funny newcomer Jonathan Howard as "the intern's intern".
In the fantasy world, while Anthony Hopkins as King Odin is predictable, Renee Russo as Queen Frigga offers a delightful surprise with a beautiful action sequence wielding a deadly back-handed blade. Those delighted in Jamie Alexander's cool beauty will be happy to see that her Sif has taken on a slightly stronger role, but only in the action department and never a rival love interest. On the other hand, the role of the "Warriors Three" is reduced, with Hogun (Tadanobe Asano) dropped completely from action, reduced to a mere cameo. Idris Elba does his usual thing as Heimdall the guardian of the portal. As to the villain, it is difficult to measure up to Canada's treasure Colm Feore in "Thor" and in that light Christopher Eccleston does turn in a solid performance.
That leaves the two male leads. Between "Thor" and this sequel, Chris Hemsworth has made other credible acting impressions, the best of which is flamboyant British Formula One racer James Hunt in "Rush" (2013). In "The dark world" we see him capably delivering a more matured and humane Thor. Tom Hiddleton as Loki is universally recognized as the brightest star in "Thor". Parallel to a matured Thor, then, is a mellowed and subdued Loki. There is nothing wrong with this direction which is consistent with the shift towards an action-driven movie, as mentioned. The serviceable plot and the satisfying action are well anchors in excellent visuals and impressive GCI. Perhaps not jubilant, they audience should nevertheless be well satisfied after the two-year wait.
One last word: this movie comes with not just one, but two "appendixes". The first, the customary "hook" for what is to come, is shown immediately after the end of the movie, with a cameo of Benicio Del Toro who apparently will have a role in the next one. Then, after waiting patiently through the entire credit roll, the audience is rewarded with something that is really just part of the main body proper of the movie – its ending minute that is cut away and placed at end of the credit roll.