Not so dark

Rating: 7/10 (8 November 2013)

This follow up was supposed to be darker than the last. It is a bit darker, but not quite as advertised. I know it is popular these days to make an origin story or sequel even darker to attract audiences and works for the most part. It's just not quite as dark overall as the previews make it seem. Part of it is for sure, but it's no "Empire Strikes Back."
The film is at its best when Thor wields his armor and is in action. This happens much more in the second half but still not quite enough in my opinion, but that's me, an action junkie. The earthly scientists seem like an added on annoyance and that part of the "convenient" plot doesn't quite click until the end of the film. The climax is pretty entertaining, as there is a lot of flying, world traveling, portal jumping, hammer flying, action.
Characters: Thor (Hemsworth) and Loki (Hiddleston) are the centerpieces here. There's a storyline with Thor and a "friend" from Azguard that his dad would like him to court that is interesting and would be cool to see fleshed out, but at under 2 hrs total for the run time, there's just no time. I was glad to see Jane (Portman) back, and the director does a good job of not making her feel like just a third wheel, although there are times I wish she would just stay on earth and let the demi gods do their work.