Suvudu Universe

Thor: The Dark World returns viewers to the world of Asgard and the Nine Realms. The core cast returns from the first film without S.H.I.E.L.D and Clark Gregg’s Agent Coulson and the changing of actors for Fandral from Josh Dallas to Zachary Levi.

The plot of Thor: The Dark World focuses on the return of the ancient Dark Elves with their leader Malekith and his general Algrim. These dark elves where thwarted in their previous attempt to return the universe to darkness by Thor’s grandfather. The elves possessed a superweapon the Aether which was a ancient artifact that is fluid and can inhabit hosts instead of being a solid object.

In Thor: The Dark World we see events take place two years after the first film and we meet Jane Foster working in London with her intern (Darcy), her intern’s intern (Ian) and the mentally unhinged Erik Selvig. Jane is investigating gravitational anomalies while Erik is developing a theory about the alignment of the Nine Realms. During the investigation Darcy is transported between worlds and infected with the Aether.

Meanwhile on Asgard, Thor has matured and is on the cusp of being named king replacing Odin. Thor and his warriors have settled conflicted on all the realms restoring peace after the destruction of the Bifrost and reestablishing the fear and respect of Asgard’s rule.

Jane’s danger brings Thor back into her life and all Helheim breaks loose when the dark elves attack Asgard to try to capture Jane and recover the Aether. As the story develops Thor recruits his brother Loki, now imprisoned in Asgard. The film jumps between earth, Asgard and the Dark World, the home of the dark elves.

In some ways Thor is the most interesting of the Marvel films from a storytelling point of view because it resists being put in an easy categorical box. While it fits into the broader genre of a comic book movie, it blends the genres of fantasy and science fiction in a way that feels natural and exhilarating.

The introduction of the dark elves also introduces a level of technology that bring a very science fiction feel. They have their own battleship and star-fighters, the dark matter laser blasters and implosion grenades. During their battle with Asgard it feels very much like the attack run on the Death Star as Asgard’s laser cannons open up against the attacking dark elves’ ships. As a child of the 1980′s I can’t help but think of Zarkon and the Drule Empire from Voltron when I see the dark elves in Thor: The Dark World.

Chris Hemsworth as Thor is rather brooding at times in this film as he deals with the responsibilities of his role, yet struggles with his love for Jane Foster which he has had to make secondary to his responsibilities.

Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster hasn’t seen Thor in two years, but she hasn’t moved past him though we first meet her on a very unfortunate date, her personal life is really a mess and it seems that her professional life has devolved into tracking phenomenon that she hopes will lead her to seeing where Thor will reappear next.

Kat Dennings’ Darcy Lewis steals many scenes as her comedic timing and acting is pitch perfect in her role as Foster’s assistant.

Stellan Skarsgard’s Erik Selvig provides manly comedic relief in the film, but it is really funny comedic relief.

Jaime Alexander as the Lady Sif has a small role in Thor: The Dark World, she portrays her characters romantic interest in Thor clearly but deftly. We know that everyone in Asgard thinks these two belong together, but Sif’s pursuit of Thor respects both Thor and Thor’s relationship with Jane. This allows fans of Thor-Jane not to dislike Sif and even sympathize with the character.

There are solid performances all around in this one, but as it seems is always true, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki character shines. Loki is wicked and funny and the scene of him leaving prison with Thor got lots of laughs.

Overall one of the key strengths of the Marvel Studio films is the ability to merge action and comedy, Thor: The Dark World maintains a serious tone to its overall plot but is laced throughout with humorous moments that focus on the characters.

The plot is fairly straight forward with a few twists and turns around the way, but the focus on character, the performance of the actors, the blending of science fiction and fantasy, and the use of humor make this film worthy heir to the first film.

As with all recent Marvel releases don’t leave when the credits start, there are two scenes after the movie ends one mid-credits and one post-credits.

Go see Thor: The Dark World now and don’t forget your pants.