If you’re a fan of the science-fiction-fantasy-action-adventure-superhero genre, then you’ll get a kick out of the latest Thor flick. It’s not the best of the ‘Avengers’ movies, but it still holds its own as a source of mindless entertainment. No disrespect intended for those who actually grasp the mythology of Asgard, the Nine Realms (including Earth), and characters with names like Malekith, Odin, Sif, Fandral and Volstagg. It’s just that I tend to get a bit lost in the universe best understood by Comic-Con aficionados. Overall, I enjoyed Thor: The Dark World, but there’s really no need to see this one in 3D. Put the extra cash toward popcorn. The ‘eye candy’ comes with the price of admission. I’m not sure why Thor (Chris Hemsworth) felt compelled to take his shirt off in one particular scene, but hey, I’m not complaining.
The plot centers around a shadowy enemy that pre-dates the universe. When that enemy is suddenly unleashed, it falls to Thor and friends – including the mortal scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) – to set things right again, and prevent the enemy from plunging the universe into darkness. Thor also has to join forces with his deliciously treacherous brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), who is the real scene stealer in this movie. The banter between the brothers is classic, and so is the wink and nod to other Avenger characters, particularly Captain America.
The story is at turns heartwarming, funny, dark, and campy. It’s a bit like Battlestar Galactica meets Nancy Drew.
Of course, no Marvel movie is complete without being incomplete. In other words, stay in your seat for the entire credit sequence for not one – but TWO additional teasers. All in all, Thor-oughly entertaining.