Superhero movie in which universe is saved by wacky humans

Rating: 7/10 (14 November 2013)

I truly enjoyed this film. The special effects are astonishing, as one expects in movies like this nowadays.
But in the end it's just another typical latter-day sensational superhero movie. The elaborate alternative universe (i.e. the dark elves arising once again to use the evil gassy thing to destroy Asgard and the nine worlds) was a little too much for me. I enjoy a good movie, but I've reached the point where I am not that interested in being presented with new universes, in this case "the Thor universe". I didn't really care what happened to Asgard.
I understand this is an action film oriented towards the video-game generation, and many movie goers want to see action on a grand scale. Moviegoers apparently want demon warriors, medieval empires and frightening alien technology in their movies. Well, I'm getting tired of it.
I thought something went wrong with the portrayal of the group of Earth characters on which this franchise is focused. We didn't get to know them well enough. They were portrayed as corollary and wacky and frantic -- and yet they were able to develop this strange and powerful device out of nowhere. They were not true scientists. They were...what exactly? I don't get Jane Weston. Something is wrong with that character and her role in this movie, and perhaps also the way she is portrayed.
There was too much action, and not enough plot and character development. There were too many coincidences, too many forced and contrived situations. (The stupid intern throws the car keys into the hole! Jane gets transported right to a small cavern deep underground, which just happens to be the worst place possible! Thor figures out in seconds how to fly an alien aircraft like a pro!) There were too many bone crushing fights and city destroying disasters.
I went to this movie (and its predecessor) because...well...I think Chris Hemsworth is eye candy. He duly delivers. This is the perfect role for him. However, I'm ready to see him in a proper movie where he's given a chance to flesh out a character.
There are some nice moments in the movie. I can't say I didn't enjoy it. It's better than the Batman movies. It's worth about 7.5 I'd say, but I'm going to round it down for now. I go to these movies, but maybe I shouldn't.