It probably says more about my impression of the first Thor when I insist that the sequel is vastly superior to its predecessor, but nevertheless, Thor: The Dark World is better in pretty much every way, in my view. That’s not to say it’s not without extended groan-worthy bits. In fact, Chris Hemsworth remains the one actor that I maintain is a vapid performer (seems like a delightful guy, but as an actor, blah), even though everyone else seems to love him.
Much hay has been made out of the movie’s passing grade in the Bechdel Test, but you would think that assessment would be undercut by the fact that Jane Foster remains a completely non-character. All I see in Natalie Portman’s expressions is earnest concern for her child’s education fund. Power to her though; get paid, Nat!
The movie works despite some weak character moments because its action is beautifully executed and the world is made far more vivid than in the previous installment thanks to director and Game of Thrones veteran Alan Taylor. Asgard is presented very similarly to King’s Landing, with one scene in particular sharing a great deal of imagery with a certain funeral scene in Westeros. Most importantly, they stepped up the Loki moments, and Tom Hiddleston reinforces why anyone with any sense is firmly Team Loki. I still have next to no idea what the galactic storyline is about but at least this time it was pretty and fun.
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