Thor: The Dark World

Unless you were a fan there was only one reason to watch 2011’s Thor, that being to see what on earth Kenneth Branagh was doing directing a Marvel film. This limp follow up doesn’t even have that as a pull, with Alan Taylor picking up the reigns. Who, he? Taylor directed Palookaville back in 1995, but has done little else of cinematic note since. As you can see, another match of man to material. That aside you can see why the choice of director is hardly even a concern for such a by the numbers film as this. You’ll either be excited by the description of “Thor teams up with Loki to save the Nine Realms from the Dark Elves” or you’ll give it a miss as, well, you pretty much already know what’s going to happen so why bother going? There’s nothing original here, but what plus points there are come in the form of the development of the relationship between Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the impressive special effects (for the scenes set on Earth, at least) and some subtle comic touches (Thor politely hanging his hammer on a coat hook as he enters someone’s house). Taylor has claimed he tried to make this film visually grittier then its predecessor and, arguably, you could say he’s achieved that. However, that’s little compensation for the average script. Apparently even Joss Whedon was helicoptered in to rewrite certain scenes, but you wouldn’t know it. If you’re a Marvel nut then, well, you’ll probably going to love this whatever, but for the rest of us all we’ll left with is a film with zero chemistry between the main male and female leads, a final showdown involving teleportation that has been done before and a very final image that is beyond stupid and will only make you feel like you’ve been cheated as opposed to being eager to see what happens next. Oh yeah, there’s two post credits scenes as well. Give me strength…..Rating: 5/10.