Before seeing Alan Taylor’s follow-up to “Thor,” “Thor: The Dark World,” I happened to read a few reviews. Some were particularly insulting and mean-spirited, while others seemed not to have seen the first film, which is OK; but don’t complain about understanding the origin of Thor and the rest of the Asgardians when you can’t motivate yourself to see the film that established such things.
It’s akin to someone not seeing “Star Wars,” then watching “The Empire Strikes Back,” and wondering why the guy in black with asthma is so mean. And what’s with that “Force” stuff, anyway?
Sure, you could do it, though it comes off remarkably lazy (and what’s worse is that many of the people that do so are paid to watch movies).
For instance, it’s been established in the first film that the Asgardians ARE NOT GODS (which is repeated in this movie), nor are they immortal, though they live significantly longer than humans. What they are are aliens that make use of remarkably advanced technology that, to less-advanced peoples, looks like magic. They have visited the earth in the past, and inspired certain groups, like the Vikings, who believed them to be gods.
It’s actually relatively simple, despite the kvetching.
While the first film revolved around Earth and Asgard, the sequel is of significantly larger scope and involves Thor doing peace keeping duties on the Nine Realms, though only later in the film is their true enemy, the Dark Elves, revealed.
This was a surprise because everyone had assumed that they were defeated and wiped out by the Asgardians before Odin assumed the throne.
The Dark Elves are seeking a substance called Aether, which was hidden away by the Asgardians when they first faced them.
Alan Taylor, who’s best known for directing a number of episodes of HBO’s “A Game Of Thrones” brings a similar esthetic to the design of Asgard. While the first film was very glittery, and more than a little bit cold, his interpretation resembles a huge medieval city, with Asgard at the center.
What’s a bit off is the humor, which in the first film felt fresher, and was more situational. Here, it more often than not feels forced. That being said, when the movie gets going – I would guess at the point where the Dark Elves lay siege to Asgard – it moves briskly (and also brought to mind 1980’s “Flash Gordon” in one pivotal scene).
What most critics are accurate about is that while Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is engaging and very easy on the eyes (his back is so huge that it almost looks like a special effect) which probably a little to do with this being a superhero film that seems to be seeking a particularly strong female audience, though it’s Loki (Tom Hiddleston) who probably the most interesting character in the movie.
Is “Thor: The Dark World” a great movie? Not really, it’s a bit too uneven for that, though it is beautifully shot, engaging, and fun when it gets moving.
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t leave the theater till the credits finish rolling.
SCREENPHILES 
Reblogged this on Movie-music-freak.
Awesome!
hey any idea where ii can see ‘sharknado’?? can’t find it anywhere here.
I am so glad you asked! It just popped up on Netflix! I need to watch it in all it’s terribleness (not a word, yet so fitting).
Oh god! We don’t get netflix in India. I saw the trailer and laughed so hard. Isn’t it fun watching movies that just don’t make sense what so ever?? like Mr. and Mrs. smith? frankly i never knew what was going on in the movie till the end except they both ,ooked good together.
If I can find some way that you can view Sharknado! I’ definitely pass it on to you. India, I need to visit there someday.
As I grow older, I find that I don’t mind silliness in my movies as much. A few years ago, no way!
Thanks a lot!! and please do let me know!! You HAVE to come to India. I was living in the states for 10 years and then moved down here with my family. It’s a great place and you will love the food here and temples.
I’m not that old so i guess i can enjoy a few crazy movies. I’m very hard on the movies i see. I want them to be amazing but I’ve changed a bit. We can’t hate every movie we see right??
Try this website: http://www.megashare.info. I don’t know if Sharknado is there, but there’s a whole lot of stuff that is.
Will see it now. Thanks for taking efforts to check it out for me!!
hey the link you sent works! thanks. will see it and tell you. You do the same!
As terrible as I know Sharknado will be, I will do it for the blog!
We need some funny movies to see. You won’t be disappointed after seeing how many other people feel and maybe even like the movie. Oh ya,they are making a second part also for the movie.
I heard.
hey,suddenly the link stopped working.
Yeah, it does that sometimes. There’s so much variety, but at the same time it can be very, very frustrating. I have had moments where I just said “Frak it,” and moved on for a few hours, or even the rest of the evening.
It usually comes back, but it can be a pain in the arse.
Something you might want to consider is to make sure it’s not on your end (it’s probably not, but can’t hurt to check).
Will check. I haven’t even seen movies cause they don’t load. Some movies we get persistent to keep loading it cause its an awesome movie. It kinda happened while seeing inception. I didn’t even know what the movie was about but kept wanting to see it.