Matt Adcock’s film review: Thor’s dalliance in the dark world ticks blockbuster boxes

“Some believe that before the universe, there was nothing. They’re wrong. There was darkness...and it has survived.”
Chris Hemsworth in Thor: The Dark WorldChris Hemsworth in Thor: The Dark World
Chris Hemsworth in Thor: The Dark World

Desperate times are afoot in the aftermath of Avengers Assemble and Iron Man 3, as the good guys have to face up to an enemy that even Odin and the forces of Asgard cannot withstand.

So it’s up to the hunky Thor (Chris Hemsworth) to embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet – overcoming a challenge so great he’ll even need to team up with his highly untrustworthy half brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston).

Thor: The Dark World brings a new baddie into play - Christopher Eccleston’s dark elf leader Malakith, who has a plan to plunge the entire universe into darkness.

Chris Hemsworth in Thor: The Dark WorldChris Hemsworth in Thor: The Dark World
Chris Hemsworth in Thor: The Dark World

As luck would have it, sexy earth scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) has managed to get herself possessed by the very freakish energy known as ‘Aether’ that Malakith needs to fulfill his plan.

Cue Thor and Loki going all out to try and save not just the universe but Foster’s cute butt in particular.

This being a Marvel Phase 2 film, the production values are superb, with action set pieces that feel fresh and deliver the requisite thrills, while a decent amount of humour keeps the whole film fun and light-hearted.

As a Brit it is especially cool to see Thor battling dark elves on the streets of London, and there are some great laugh out loud pleasures along the way – such as Thor getting the Tube and having to ask how many stops to take, or politely hanging up his hammer on a coat hook when invited in to a London flat.

Alan ‘Game of Thrones’ Taylor takes over the directing duties from Kenneth Branagh and Joss Whedon and proves adept at bringing exciting super combat to the big screen.

Hiddleston steals the show as Loki with his excellent acting but it’s no wonder, as he is given some juicy fun elements to play with including transforming into one of Thor’s Avengers pals, just to mock him.

Hemsworth might not be the best actor in the world but he sure looks the part. For the female comic book fans there is even a slow-motion scene of him washing topless.

The rest of the cast do well with the fantasy material, Stellan Skarsgård is noteworthy as comic relief as Dr Eric Selvig and it’s always nice to see Kat Dennings.

Overall this Thor sequel is a comic book joy that all Avenger fans should see.