It is hard to make a sequel better than the first. Everyone knows it, and for film makers, it is an uphill battle. Thor: The Dark World, in my opinion, is a better film than Thor. Not just Better, but MUCH better. More entertaining, a better plot, and more action.....oh, and Loki of course. Lots more of Loki. I found it more entertaining mainly due to the fact that much of the film deals with the 9 realms as opposed to being 100% on Earth like the first film. I was very interested in the mythology, and they delivered a more in depth look at Asgard and the goings on with Thor's home. They deal with worm holes, different dimensions and an all powerful substance called the Aether. The Aether can be absorbed into ones body to make that being all powerful, and the dark elves plan to use it to bring their civilization back into existence. Once believed to be extinct, the dark elves are evil and want to destroy and pillage and abolish all light from everywhere. In the darkness is where they thrive and would be rulers. The Aether was also believed to have been destroyed, but leave it to a woman to rediscover the undiscoverable, putting the entire 9 realms at risk of termination. Way to go Jane Foster. Thor must now figure out how to stop the elves and destroy the Aether once and for all. A pretty daunting task but if anyone could do it, it would be Chris Hemsworth. After Loki was lost, essentially dead after the first film, only to show up and try and rule Earth in the Avengers, I was excited to see him again in this film. Imprisoned back on Asgard for his crimes, he is dealing with a lot of emotions pertaining to his brother Thor. Mostly hatred but when his help is needed, he steps to the plate and gives another A+ Tom Hiddleston performance. Loki is the ultimate villain. We love him and hate him, but as villains go, he has always seemed a little too PG-13. Just not quite bad enough to succeed. As an ally, we seem to forget how bad Loki has been. That is what makes a great character. The anti hero that we love to hate, but also just like in general. When Thor came out years ago, that seemed like such a pointless character to give a series, but he is more entertaining than most and Hemsworth is Thor. I also enjoyed the end credits scene introducing Benicio Del Toro as The Collector. I can't wait to see what role he has in future Marvel films.
NBM rates Thor: The Dark World - Phenomenal
