Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong
In 1962, Stan Lee was asked to add to the Icons he’d already created. There was a Family affected by the Extra-Terrestrial, a Scientist exposed to the ills of his experiments, and even a boy bit by a mutant spider. Yet, despite all these successes the Publishers wanted more. Lee obliged them. He transcended the radioactive and entered into the ethereal, he resurrected a god.
Thor is familiar to us all now, with his winged helmet and unpronounceable hammer he’s not only found his way into the pages of Pulp Fiction, but also the frames of hit Films. The first was a smash success and its Sequel is even more stellar. Directed by Alan Turner, The Dark World builds upon the legacy established by Kenneth Branagh in 2011. It begins with Loki (Tom Hiddleston) in chains, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) triumphant, and Jane (Natalie Portman) lovelorn in London. But beneath it all stirs something far more sinister.
Christopher Eccleston plays Malekith, a Dark Elf from time immemorial hell-bent on destroying the nine realms of existence. In doing so, all of the faces familiar to Fans are put into play. Thor of course leads them, and Hemsworth does an amazing job playing the part. With the help of his Friends on Asgard and Midgard he works to free his beloved from the bonds of an immortal terror, the means by which Malekith plans to conquer all. Jane (Natalie Portman) is no pushover however, and though beset by evil she makes for a competent Companion, even for a god.
Thor isn’t the only mythological Man to fawn over however, Loki is back as well. Hiddleston has quickly become the face of the franchise, and for good reason. The humor he brings to his Character affords the Audience with a sense of empathy regarding him. This is an excellent asset considering that the stories of Thor are advanced Court Dramas wherein the right is never obvious. This can certainly be said for this chapter as Thor himself is forced into walking on the wrong side of the tracks, and Loki is pressured into emotions he finds to be overwhelming.
Christopher Yost pens quite the yarn! This Tale about a Norse deity entrusted to save existence is weaved together with Sci-Fi splendour, fantastical fighting, and even more laughs than one may expect. The computer generated environments are mind-boggling. So are the Sets, Costumes, and Make-Up Artistry. Visually captivating and structurally compelling, this flick is one for the whole Family. Philosophy, Mythology, and Comedy… what more could you ask for?
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada releases Thor: The Dark World on Friday November 8, 2013.
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