Thor: The Dark World is probably one of the only Marvel movies where I'm really torn. When it first came out I really enjoyed it and didn't see as many flaws as I do now. However after time other reviews and opinions altered my attitude towards the movie. I definitely didn't enjoy it as much as the first Thor as there were some parts that could have been a lot better but It wasn't till a while after the movie was released that I realized how much of a flop it was. According to Rotten Tomatoes it is the second worst movie in the MCU just narrowly beating The Incredible Hulk. Like I've mentioned in previous posts, a bad movie in the MCU is still a generally successful movie. Other comic book universe movies have a lot lower ratings than Thor: The Dark World.
One of the highest points of the movie is of course Thor's dynamic with Loki. Tom Hiddleston manages to steal every scene he is in especially the jailbreak scene where we get to see him banter with Thor. Loki is the only character in the movie to bring some lighthearted humour, without him it wouldn't feel like a Marvel movie. As well as humour he also brings it back down to Earth with some depth, in particular his reaction to Frigga's death. Between his jealousy of Thor and his resentment towards Odin, Frigga was the only one to really impact Loki in a positive way. What I enjoyed in particular about this movie was the twist at the end with it being revealed that Loki didn't actually sacrifice himself but overthrew Odin under everyone's noses. Although we thought by Loki sacrificing himself he had redeemed himself we learn that he's had an alternative motive all along and had a plan from the beginning.
The secondary characters such as Jane is where the movie fell for me. I can understand characters like Eric Selvig, Jane Foster and Darcy in the first movie. You see Selvig trying to be realistic and being serious compared to his colleagues, Darcy is mainly used as a ditzy, comedic character and Jane is head over heels. In The Dark World however Jane goes from being love-struck to a love-struck damsel in distress which I detest. When the guys behind this movie said before its release that Jane Foster would have a 'stronger role' than she did in the first movie you expect her to develop as a character, not movie 3 steps back. At least in the first movie we could respect her as a scientist, in this she is really useless. Darcy ditziness is more annoying in this film and is only increased by the addition of her intern Ian. Selvig is rather redeemable in this movie as we see the affects that the events in The Avengers had on him but in general in this movie, he is just kind of pathetic. Basically the humour in the movie just isn't there unless Loki is on screen.
Again as with other low ranking Marvel movies, my issue is with the villain. Malekith was advertised as the main villain but he has the be the worst villain in the entire MCU for me. Malekith is supposed to be powerful enough to compete with Thor but a good villain needs more than physical strength. Malekith is neither dynamic or even remotely compelling. He has no character development throughout the movie and is the most forgettable villain in the MCU as is his rather pathetic excuse for an army.
At least Odin is redeeming part of the movie, he becomes more relatable and human mainly due to him becoming a widower. Once Frigga dies Odin character development takes a dynamic turn due to his grief. He becomes much more closed off but at the same time more driven. Odin's character development didn't disappoint compared to other characters.
Thor's character development since the beginning of the first movie is probably one of the biggest highlights of both movies. We see him go from a self-centered brat to being humble and selfless in the first movie and in this we see him take that humility and become an even wiser, more noble being. We also see him heroically sacrifice his own life to save Jane's, his behavior in this movie shows how he is becoming a true Asgardian King.
So Thor: The Dark World isn't a terrible movie by any means but it does fall short compared to Marvel standards.
Easter Eggs
#1 Selvig's chalkboard
This is probably the biggest Easter Egg to give us insight into the MCU. While Dr. Erik Selvig rants in an insane asylum about the complexities of the universe he is seen standing in front of the chalkboard. There are many references on the chalkboard, one includes "616 Universe" which in the comics, is the numerical designation for the main Marvel Universe. There are many alternate universes in the comics each with different numbered names, the 616 is the most well known among fans. Another insight from the chalkboard is "The Fault" which is a massive tear in the universe that leads to a number of alternate realities. This was caused by a member of the Inhumans and with Inhumans being introduced to the MCU, "The Fault" might play a role in the future. The term "crossroads" refers to a weird, twisted reality that Doctor Strange sends the Hulk to in order to protect Earth during one of his rampages. With a Doctor Strange movie being released in a couple of months we might get more insight into this alternate reality.
#2 Loki's pose
At the end of the movie we see Thor talking to who he thought was Odin, who normally sits very regal and in a smart, uniform manner. However in this scene "Odin" seems to be slouched and being very nonchalant and is soon revealed to be Loki. This particular pose is a nod to the comics as they often depict Loki sitting in this pose.
#3 The Nine Realms
During the films final act the Nine Realms begin to converge and a number of portals are all visible. One in particular is a realm of fire which appears to be Muspelheim. Muspelheim is the home to Surtur and his army of Fire Demons and we get a glimpse of Surtur moving around among the flames. Surtur is the fire demon who in the comics is so powerful he rivals Odin and is far more powerful than Thor, he also attempts to bring upon Ragnarok, which is the Norse version of the apocalypse. With the third Thor installment involving the Ragnarok story arc, there's a high chance Surtur will be introduced.
#4 Adam Warlock
During the post-credits scene we see Sif take the Aether to The Collector who has a vast collection of intergalactic oddities. One of these oddities is a cocoon which holds Adam Warlock, the "perfect" human who eventually went to space and became a powerful being. In the comics he plays a large role in the Infinity Gauntlet story arc. This scene is meant to set up for Guardians of the Galaxy as we get a bigger insight into The Collectors accumulation of relics.
#5 Stan Lee cameo
After Dr Selvig appears to have gone a bit crazy he gets admitted to a mental hospital and is seen ranting and raving about cosmic abnormalities. In order to explain his theories, Dr Selvig visualizes what he is describing by banging two shoes together. At the end of his speech, Dr Selvig asks "Any questions?" to which one of the patients (Stan Lee) asks for his shoe back.
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