How is strength to be wielded? This is a question that the new movie “Thor: The Dark World” repeatedly tries to answer. As the dark elf and new villain Malekith emerges as a threat, several main characters must answer this question.
“To the last Asgardian breath and the last drop of Asgardian blood!” Odin tells Thor as they discuss war.
Thor replies, “Then how are you different from Malekith?”
Thor, Odin, Loki, Jane and several other characters must consider their own strengths and flaws in this movie while trying to save their universe from destruction. Thor, in particular, continues to learn what it means to lead his people and sacrifice for the greater good.
“Thor: The Dark World” is a movie that aligns well with its protagonist. Like Thor himself, the movie is brutish and oafish at times. We repeatedly see CGI technology employed as Thor and his enemies lay waste to wilderness panoramas and sprawling cityscapes. The technology is able to create a spectacular funeral scene; Spoiler Alert (yes, one beloved character will die in this movie) .
However, in an effort to make battles appear more intense and epic, the creators sometimes went over the top. Instead of skilled technique in hand-to-hand combat, we see entire montages of our hero being thrown into rock formations over and over and over again. Audiences could save money on that type of battle by renting “The Hulk” or watching a monster truck rally on TV.
Yet, like the character of Thor himself, we see glimmers of wit, humor and charm in this film. This is where the movie draws its strength. Depth emerges in skillfully written dialogue between Thor and Loki, two brothers who are constantly jawing back and forth.
Humorous one-liners abound, and the funniest moment may have been a surprise cameo from another Marvel hero. Darcy, the researcher friend of Jane, provides great comic relief, as does Loki.
Several twists will keep you guessing throughout the movie, although some are easier to figure out than others. The film is fast-paced and doesn’t bore the audience. Brilliant dialogue and humor make it a Marvel movie worth watching.
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 112 Minutes
Rating: 3/4 J-dubs