As the Marvel machine continues to churn out superhero film after superhero film, it’s somewhat amazing that they’ve been able to keep up the level of quality that they have been over the last several years. Granted, they don’t all turn out well. Iron Man 3 was a prime example where things just never came together, but for the most part, they’ve given us some highly-entertaining adventures like The Avengers, Captain America, and Thor.
Speaking of Thor, we’re just a couple of weeks away from the US opening of its sequel, Thor: The Dark World, and in case you’ve been wondering if the film is going to be any good or not, we can now shed some light on the question.
The highly anticipated sequel recently premiered in London and now the first wave of reviews have found their way online. Here’s a small sampling of what the critics have said so far:
This robust, impersonal visual-effects showpiece proves buoyant and unpretentious enough to offset its stew of otherwise derivative fantasy/action elements. – Justin Chang, Variety
Thor: The Dark World delivers the goods – action, otherworldly grandiosity, romance, humor – above and beyond its predecessor. – Alonso Duralde, The Wrap
Despite its occasionally bipolar quality, Thor: The Dark World is a hugely entertaining and sharply written continuation of Marvel’s Phase 2, combining heart, spectacle and a shrewd lightness of touch. – Emma Dibdin, Digital Spy
Although director Alan Taylor manages to get things going properly for the final battle in London, the long stretches before that on Asgard and the other branches of Yggdrasil are a drag, like filler episodes of Game of Thrones but without the narrative complexity, mythical heft or all-pervading sexiness. – Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter
While enjoyable in spots, ‘The Dark World’ is haphazard and ultimately unsatisfying. – Oliver Lyttelton, The Playlist
Thor: The Dark World is as funny as it is exciting. A slick balance of action, humor and comic book sensibilities. [W]hile the film might not have the psychological complexity or sheer scope of the previous two Marvel movies, it’s more balanced and feels weightier. – Germain Lussier, Slash Film
A prime piece of pop candy, a witty, flashy, unflaggingly entertaining addition to the Marvel canon, light on its feet in spite of its cosmic sprawl. – Nick Setchfield, SFX Magazine
Apparently most people weren’t exactly blown away by it, but seemed to enjoy it for the most part nonetheless. That’s rather similar to the way I felt about the first film. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t particularly great. That being said, I’m still looking forward to seeing what the sequel has to offer.
Thor: The Dark World opens in the US on November 8th. Are you excited for the film? Do these early reviews give you any concern? Let us know in the comments below!
(Source: Rotten Tomatoes/Comic Book Movie)
