Following the successes of The Avengers and Iron Man 3 comes Thor: The Dark World, the second part of Marvel’s “phase two” and Thor’s third outing in as many years. Luckily the mistakes of Iron Man 2 (the first of Marvel’s standalone superhero sequels) aren’t repeated, and The Dark World manages to celebrate it’s predecessors while managing to avoid reusing the same old formula.
A neatly written prologue, narrated by Hopkins again, introduces the new villains, the 
Dark elves, and sets up the threat, this time the entire universe’s at risk. After this Thor’s straight into the action and rarely slows down, it’s easy to feel like it’s more about war than superheroes, with regular and excellently choreographed action.
There’s a host of returning faces, Idris Elba remains the coolest guy in Asgard, Hopkins is solid and glowering, Portman is a dependable damsel in distress and Chris Hemsworth is every bit the leading man as a maturing, responsible Thor. Those expecting more of the Thor and Loki show might be disappointed with Tom Hiddleston remaining largely off-screen for the first hour. It’s a shame as he’s probably the best thing in the movie, turning his villain up to eleven, Hiddleston gives you Loki unrepentant, hateful and eager to escape the captivity Avengers left him in.
Chistropher Eccleston gives it a go as Malekith, leader of the Dark Elves and the latest Big Bad. He nails the fanatical rage but is never given a chance to develop beyond this. For the most part he’s leaves the heavy lifting to his minions while he stands by shouting threats. When he finally steps up for the climax it is suitably impressive affair, and a beautifully structured scene which manages to surprise at every turn and generate some of the movies best laughs.
Where there are flaws they’re relatively minor, some of the jokes feel clunky, certain plot threads are entertained then fail to be developed and the pacing can feel a little strange.
But ultimately it’s yet another success story for Marvel, with enough foreshadowing to keep you excited for the follow-ups but enough closure to leave you satisfied. Those of you eager for some homework should stay behind for a post credit scene that’s everything you might have hoped for.
4/5