Superhero films have dominated mainstream cinema for nearly fifteen years now to the point where they have become a genre unto themselves and defined a decade of film making. Following the outrageously successful Avengers Assemble (2012) and Iron Man 3 (2013), Marvel have raised the bar (along with DC’s Dark Knight franchise) in terms of product quality and box office take, upping the pressure to deliver phenomenally high calibre features that live up to audience expectations.
Thor: The Dark World is the second solo superhero outing for the Norse God. Following dreaded re-shoot rumours and not terribly enthralling trailers, expectations for the film had dropped massively, but once again the comic book behemoths have surpassed expectations and delivered an outrageously entertaining, CGI laden juggernaut that is, while not as refined as Avengers Assemble or Iron Man 3, still a visually spectacular and hilarious slice of fantasy entertainment.
Despite an underwhelming opening, Thor: The Dark World judders into life through a series of abrupt plot twists and set pieces occurring both on Asgard and Earth (specifically London). In the second act we are re-introduced to Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), her assistant Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) and Dr Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) and the stormy relationship between Thor and adopted brother Loki is expanded. After their untamed duelling in Avengers Assemble the demi Gods are deconstructed to a greater degree via a storyline that skilfully weaves human elements into the fantastical.
What is also noticeable this time around is the incredible humour. Marvel are renowned in their ability to poke fun at themselves, complimenting their outlandish style with ribbing japes and encouraging the audience to laugh. While we are well aware that what they are making is far from fine art, on the flipside to the light heartedness there is an overabundance of not very groundbreaking CGI and some set pieces feel slightly crow-barred in. However, the ingenuity of the narrative strands and some innovative visuals make Thor: The Dark World enormous fun and while it won’t win any Oscars, you will find yourself laughing out loud on several occasions and leaving the cinema smiling.
Daniel has awarded Thor: The Dark World four Torches of Truth
