THOR: THE DARK WORLD

Fans will be satisfied with Thor: The Dark World. The sequel has enough special effects, tongue-in-cheek references and unanswered questions to keep them coming back.

It has been two years since the first Thor and the hero of Asgard has been busily ridding the nine realms of Loki’s chaos. He pines for his love Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and once an old enemy returns, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) must risk everything to save the Earth once again.

This is a much darker film; full of sacrifice and despair but with surprising humour.

With his trademark dry quips and simmering rage, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is the real star of the film. Flexing his acting muscles between scornful loneliness and unbridled contempt, Hiddleston keeps the audience guessing as to Loki’s motives right until the very end.

Sadly the chemistry between Portman and Hemsworth is lacking.

Solid action sequences and Hemsworth’s hulking ease make this an exciting film despite the missing personal connections. (LL)

*** 1/2