Thor Returns with his Mighty Hammer

Thor: The Dark World (2013).

There are few surprises in "Thor: The Dark World" (2013). Basically, the same crew is back from "Thor" (2011). If you enjoyed the first "Thor" film, you shouldn't be disappointed by this sequel despite a change in directors.

Chris Hemsworth hauls a mighty hammer in "Thor: The Dark World."

"Thor: The Dark World" is directed by Alan Taylor, replacing Kenneth Branagh. "Thor: The Dark World" stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Christopher Eccleston as Malekith and Rene Russo as Frigga. I don't know about you, but any film with a female character named "Frigga" is worth checking out.

A true fighting female in "Thor: The Dark World."

Very loosely based on the ancient Norse legends, "Thor: The Dark World" is a typical Marvel superhero action/adventure movie. You know what you're getting - lots of action, wild special effects (CGI coming out of the wazoo), some provocative posing by choice females, occasional banter verging on humor, and lots of things with weird names like the "Asgardian waterfalls" and so forth and so on. Oh, and don't forget the action figures.

Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth in "Thor: The Dark World.".

Let's face it, most people go to Thor films and root for Loki. That's just how it is. Fortunately, Tom Hiddleston gives a standout performance as Loki that covers up some of the other lackluster acting. Which is not to say that star Chris Hemsworth gives anything less than a stellar performance, but when it comes to wisecracking asides, he's no Harrison Ford.

This  poster for "Thor: The Dark World" is right across from Grauman's Chinese Theater in LA, I believe.

"Thor: The Dark World" fits into the whole Marvel universe which includes the "Iron Man" and "Avengers" films, and is right in line with those films, though one can be picky and say that the Thor films are nowhere near as, shall we say, serious as "The Avengers." There is a plot about "dark elves" and a plot to take over the universe - apparently just taking over the world is so, like last century - and "Thor: The Dark World" melds the present with superheros in typical bravura Marvel fashion. In terms of action and adventure, you should not be disappointed by "Thor: The Dark World."

This is how Thor accomplishes his mighty leaps in "Thor: The Dark World."

Below, actress Emma Caulfield ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Beverly Hills 90210," "When Darkness Falls") reviews the Marvel superhero movie "Thor: The Dark World" (2013).




2017